Speaking of objects I was entirely right to acquire, here is an antique wood and enamel scarab pendant I finally picked up after many months of watching from afar. The colors and visual texture are incredible, and it reminds me of the intricate scarab cabochons you see in the ancient Egyptian section of the MFA (or any such museum), which I always find arresting. Like to try to imagine how they would have been used and worn. It’s quite small, just a little over 1/2″ long. This green-leaning turquoise hue appeals to me in just about every context, really, but especially this one.
[Imagine a massive scarab to hang on the serpent necklace, see what I’m saying? How FIERCE would that be?]
I’ll get more into my love of the ancient Egyptian aesthetic later I’m sure, for now it suffices to say that yes: the creatures chosen for artistic representation, the blending of myth and nature and the mythical resonance of just about everything/pervasive symbolism, the crisp lines and bold colors, the prevalence of gold, eyeliner for all, and of course all those sphinxes…I love it.
I love, too, the process of building – borrowing and elaborating from the great pool of history and myth – my own mythology and establishing my own set of personal symbols, replete with any power I have channeled into them. I am drawn to the concept of the charm or the amulet (I recently lost my cimaruta, sadly), not because I believe in ancient or current systems of power, but because I believe in my own power (certainly over myself, conscious or no), and can derive comfort and strength from my personal totems and emblems. The scarab traditionally symbolizes the sun (another favored symbol of mine), and so growth, development, transformation, creation.
There is a glyph on the back, anyone able to identify? Maybe a stylized Arabic script?
