Late Dynastic Period, Ca. 664-332 BC.A faience scarab consists of three pieces, the scarab beetle and two wings of a bird, not a beetle, as indicated by the individual feathers. Each pierced for attachment to the bandages of the mummy. The ancient Egyptians believed that the beetle generated spontaneously in the ground. Its association with the sun god and the belief in the scarab's self-generation, meant this was a potent amulet, believed to bear the power of life and regeneration. For a similar example, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 30.8.1082a-c.Size: L:70-60mm / W:30-45mm ; 74gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1960s UK collection.