Description of this object or artwork
This image shows a scarab beetle: an amazing creature that was very special to the Ancient Egyptians. It is a kind of dung beetle: it uses other animals’ poo to get its nutrients from, and to lay its eggs in. After the mother beetle had left and some time had passed, the eggs would hatch and the baby beetles would emerge from the dung.Ancient Egyptians thought that these animals must be very special because they seemed to be born without having any parents.
Some scarab beetles are able to roll huge balls of dung around using their strong back legs. The movement reminded the Ancient Egyptians of the movement of the sun. Khepri was a scarab beetle god who they believed rolled the sun into the sky each morning. His name means ‘the one who comes into being’ – in other words, the one who comes to life.
Recently, scientists have demonstrated that dung beetles have another fascinating connection with the sun: they use it to navigate, making sure they are pushing their dung balls in a straight line.
Detail from Outer Coffin of Pa-Kepu, a water pourer from Thebes
Egypt, approx. 747-525 BCE
Wood
E.2.1869
Look
Notice the detail the artist has included on the scarab beetle’s body. Can you spot the spurs, or hooks on its legs?
These directions for making your own beetle from the Museum of Zoology show you all the different parts of a bettles body.
Think
Ancient Egyptian people believed in life after death. They often included scarab beetle amulets and images in coffins and tombs. Can you think why scarab beetles might be linked with being reborn in the afterlife?
Do
Scarab beetles can be found in the UK, although unlike the ones in Egypt and other warmer countries, they do not roll balls of dung.
Try making a hotel for beetles in your garden or in a local park. Pile up a few stones, big sticks and pieces of wood – crumbling, rotting wood works well. Build your hotel somewhere quiet and calm where it won’t be disturbed. Come and check it after a few days to see if any beetles or other animals are sheltering there.
Tiny Tweaks:
Can you move like a beetle? Can you push a ball along with your feet while you crawl? How fast can you move?
Collections record
E.2.1869
Collection record: 49054
