Scarab Amulets & Dancing Dung Beetles: Ancient Egyptian Fashion Weird Facts

Weird News: Scientists Have Fun With Dancing Dung Beetles

What a National Geographic news flash about scientists studying dancing dung beetles has to do with fashion may require some explanation. Bear with me. We're going to take a little trip into the background of the scarab. And yes, you guessed it, the scarab beetle is a representation of the dung beetle.

The dung beetle gets its name from its activity of rolling dung into a ball. It lays eggs in the dung ball, and the new dung beetles emerge out of the dung ball. The appearance of new life out of waste symbolized regeneration to ancient Egyptians. Think about it, this is a potent symbol for everlasting life, and it's  common sense. We still use manure -- animal feces -- for fertilizer. Plants die and new plants emerge through the manure. Baby beetles climb out of balls of feces... resurrection.

Dung beetles rolling off to a romantic spot... via Flickr, CC, by Heath.Windcliff

The Egyptians had a strong interest in the afterlife and developed elaborate embalming procedures for preserving the dead. Because archaeologists have such rich troves of material from tombs -- and the mummies and the Book of the Dead are so fascinating -- sometimes the lives of ancient Egyptians get short shrift. Yet they loved life, and their elaborate preparations for death were based on their celebration of life -- not a preoccupation with death.

Scarab, top of mummy case head -- San Antonio Museum of Art,
via Flickr, CC, by Gruenemann, John W. Schulze

Scarabs and Magic

Magic played a large role in daily life. Wearing scarab amulets was only one part of it. Medical practices contained a hefty dose of magic. Contemporary research has begun to acknowledge the power of belief -- how the human mind influences healing.

Everything from the strength of our immune system, the quality of our sleep, our resistance to pain and the ability to survive cancer can be affected by our beliefs. If you bear that in mind, the use of symbols, protective amulets and incantations in ancient medicine takes on a significance that stands against dismissals of magic as primitive superstition.



There's evidence of significant sophistication and skill in early Egyptian medical texts and practices. They treated many injuries and diseases and seem to have even performed brain surgery. Life can use more magic, along with more dancing. Walk like an Egyptian, dance like a scarab beetle and practice some beliefs -- a scarab amulet symbolizes renewal, the astonishing power of life to regenerate. It's the power of belief that makes it so.

Giant Scarab via Flickr, CC, by Ian Davis
Carved ancient Egyptian scarab on display at the British Museum

Weird Science and Dancing Dung Beetles

This should bear the subtitle, weird things scientists do for fun. Yes, folks, there are people who make a living creating dung beetle obstacle courses. Wacky.

Scientists get a kick out of putting dung beetles through their paces and videotaping the action. No kidding.

All this dung beetle action led the researchers to conclude that the dung beetle dance helps dung beetles orient themselves. The scarab beetle needs to roll the ball of dung on a fairly straight course to get away quickly, evading predators and potential dung ball thieves.

The dung beetle wants to escape the bountiful mass of dung where it pulled off some dung and rolled it into a ball with the dung ball and its life, so it does its best to stay on course. Uneven terrain, slopes and evasive maneuvers can throw the brave dung-roller off course.

Dung Beetle via Flickr, CC, by Amy Loves Yah

Picture yourself rolling a ball of manure, keeping balanced on top of it, watching out for creatures who want to eat you or steal that ball of manure... well, maybe you don't want to picture that. Just take note that the dung beetle is multitasking like crazy with its life on the line -- and dancing helps it regain its course.

There's a lesson for humanity in there. In fact, there's a saying, a day without dancing.... Taking some time to dance today is a good idea.



The Scarab Symbolizes Regeneration

The scarab symbol was worn by the living and the dead. Men and women wore scarab amulets and scarab jewelry as protection. Embalmers wrapped scarab amulets in the wrappings of deceased Egyptians. When archaeologists unwrap a mummy, they often find scarabs and other amulets.

Scarab, front, via Flickr, CC, by marioanima 

Scarabs are usually inscribed. Hieroglyphs on the flat area of the scarab, on the reverse, are often a spell. Scarabs even served as commemorative objects, in a similar way that many cultures minted coins to commemorate historical events.

Scarabs and Contemporary Fashion

Amulets and talismans continue to provide decorative elements for clothing and jewelry. Scarab necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants and brooches have enjoyed lasting popularity and continue to play a part in contemporary fashion.

Scarabs and ankhs mark contemporary bodies as tattoos.

Contemporary amulets in the shapes of scarabs adorn belts, purses, neck chains, motorcycle jackets and runway fashions.


Jewelers create scarabs out of sterling, silver, gold and gemstones, such as tiger's eye, lapis, carnelian and quartz.

 Winged scarabs continue to spread their protective magic on hats, t-shirts, belts, headdresses, shirts, blouses, jeans, armbands, ankle bracelets and toe rings and just about any ancient Egypt fashion accessory you can wear.


Reference:
National Geographic: Weird and Wild: Why Dung Beetles Dance

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Updated 1-14-12

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