Beaded Mummy Decoration

Saite Period, Dynasty 26, ca. 664-525 BCE
Beads, fiber, 45.7 x 40 x 3.8 cm (18 x 15 3/4 x 1 1/2 in.)
Gift of Charles L. Hutchinson and Henry H. Getty,
Art Institute of Chicago #1894.967
Photo © Joan Ann Lansberry

(From info card)
"In the Saite Period, a wrapped mummy might be covered with a netlike shroud of beads that incorporated amulets or protective symbols. The scarab beetle is the hieroglyph that means 'to exist' and is the symbol of rebirth."

The Oriental museum has several examples of scarab amulets:


Scarab Beetle
"To Come into Being" (aka 'kheper')
Oriental Institute Museum 13670, 13674
Photo © Joan Ann Lansberry