What is a winged scarab?

A winged scarab is an ancient Egyptian symbol associated with rebirth or self regeneration. The winged scarab was used as an amulet for the living and the dead and to adorn jewelry. The winged scarab was named and modeled after the dung beetle, also known as Khepri.

The ancient Egyptians likened the dung beetle to their first god Atum, who represented self regeneration, and the sun god Re. The winged scarab symbol was placed on tombs of pharaohs to protect them, as it was linked to the eternal journey of the sun. It was also inscribed on buildings and on carvings.