Artwork Explained: Scarab Jewel

This week we dropped the captivating Ancient Egyptian Mythology inspired Scarab Jewel apparel range. This artwork has been created exclusively for Lunafide by Karol Michalec. Karol is a diverse artist who has a wild imagination and an extremely steady hand. He breathed life into every element of this design with his precise technique, and his uncanny ability to bring a simple concept to life. The awe inspiring detail and symmetry ignites one's imagination and transports you to Ancient Egypt where many creatures great and small were respected and considered special and sacred. While we planned this design with Karol, he was super excited to (in his own words) create a design inspired by all of Ancient Egypts favorite “creepy crawlies'' and it gives me great pleasure to unveil the significance behind the design and the magical creatures that inspired it.

Insects were important symbols in ancient Egyptian culture and mythology. They were very prominently featured in hieroglyphs, seals, and carvings. Depictions of insects were used as talismans for protection, and even placed in burial tombs. To the ancient Egyptians, these tiny creatures were powerful symbols of resurrection and eternal life. The most represented and respected of these creatures being the Scarab beetle.

The scarab is an interesting insect that rolls a ball of manure into a perfect sphere in the direction of east to west, the solar route. The ancient Egyptians associated the ball of dung with the sun. In Fact the scarab was personified by Khepri who was a sun god. Khepri is depicted having the head of a scarab, and also symbolizes the morning and a new day. Khepri was also associated with the sun god Ra, and the creator god Atum. Ancient Egyptians believed the scarab would ward off evil and protect the owner. Scarab talismans were placed in burial chambers as a symbol of eternal life, they were also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The Scarab can be seen prominently featured on this design just above the Egyptian Zodiac circle on the back of the hoodies for men, sweatshirts and shirts. 

The jewel beetle is another sacred insect of ancient Egypt. The jewel beetle has a brightly colored appearance, and comes in shades of green, gold and reddish-purple. The symbolism of the jewel beetle is said to relate to Osiris, lord of the underworld. According to Egyptian mythology, Osiris was tricked by his brother Seth, and became trapped in a tamarisk tree. Isis split the tree open, releasing Osiris Therefore jewel beetles are said to have been a symbol of rebirth because it emerges from split logs. The Jewel beetle can also be seen prominently featured on this artwork above the honey bee surrounded by outstretched wings. 

Honey bees were associated with the sun god Ra, and the protective goddess Neith. According to Egyptian mythology, honey bees were said to be Ra's tears. The honey bee is also featured on this incredible range and as mentioned above is placed just below the jewel beetle. Honey bees played a very important role in ancient Egyptian society since honey was the main source of sweetener and it was also used in medicinal preparations. The Egyptians used beeswax for purposes such as forming molds, and for paint and varnish. Honey was such a valuable commodity in ancient Egypt that it was also used as payment in trade. Both bees and honey were considered very sacred and Honey was even given as an offering to the dead and was also a symbol of protection and resurrection. 

The artwork also features 2 butterflies that can be seen above the Zodiac circle. The Ancient Egyptians considered the butterfly a symbol of the pleasures that await the deceased in the afterlife, and were often painted on the walls of tombs mostly as symbolic decoration. These were the most prominent and respected of the Egyptian creepy crawlies but other creatures can be seen throughout the design that the ancient Egyptians feared.

The purpose of incorporating the Moths, the Scorpions and the locusts into this design as well is because these creatures were also prominent in Ancient Egyptian society and a part of their everyday life. The moth was  recognized as the forbearer or omen of a death or disaster to come, while scorpions were prominently featured in hieroglyphs and Ancient Egyptian art as a symbol of danger. Ancient Egyptians were very aware of the Toxicity and dangers the Scorpion held and highly feared these small but dangerous creatures. Ancient Egyptians also feared Desert locusts, these swarming creatures plagued Ancient Egypt and could destroy an entire field of crops in a heartbeat.