Scarab Beetle

Studying pyramids and mummies? Craft a replica of an amulet. This pendant gleams with symbols of Ancient Egypt!

• 1.

  Symbols were very important to Ancient Egyptians. The scarab is a Kephri or dung beetle. Doesn’t sound very powerful or even pretty, but to ancient Egyptians what the beetle did was significant to its meaning.

• 2.

  A Kephri pushes a ball of dirt along the ground. It represented resurrection, the life that comes after death, day that comes after night.

• 3.

  Usually the scarab was carved from precious stone such as lapis lazuli or turquoise. Do research on Ancient Egypt. Visit a museum that has an Egyptology collection to see the stylistic design of the scarab.

• 4.

  A royal personage might have worn a gold scarab. To make your scarab, knead white Crayola Model Magic® into an oval.

• 5.

  Use the handle end of a Crayola Paint Brush to score your design into the Model Magic. Draw a stylistic head, antennae, and wings (or some other Egyptian design). Press a hole in the top of your scarab. Air-dry the beetle overnight.

• 6.

  Cover your art area with recycled newspaper. Paint the scarab using gold Crayola Premier Tempera. Air-dry the paint.

• 7.

  Highlight the scarab design with a dark Crayola Fine Line Marker.

• 8.

  Thread yarn through the hole in scarab. Secure the ends with adhesive tape to proudly wear around your neck.

Benefits

• Students study the material culture of Ancient Egyptians.
• Students investigate the use and meaning of the scarab in Egyptian culture.
• Students recreate an Egyptian artifact, the scarab.

Adaptations

• Investigate the dung beetle’s natural history characteristics. (Recall its featured role in the cartoon movie "A Bug’s Life").
• Learn about other Ancient Egyptian symbols found on jewelry such as the Ankh and Eye of Horus. What do these represent? In what ways do people use these symbols in everyday life?
• Find out more about precious stones used by Ancient Egyptians. These also include red carnelian and green faience. What are their special properties? Do people use these stones today?
• Study the distinctive drawing style of Ancient Egyptians. Learn the rationale behind it. Draw a contemporary event in an Ancient Egyptian manner.