Kids discover the secrets of Egyptian beetles
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A dung beetle may not conjure up images of prosperity, protection and luck, but for the ancient Egyptians, these scarabs were an intrinsic part of everyday life and beyond.
The Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library held an interactive program this week, journeying back thousands of years ago for kids to see how these sacred insects were as much a part of the Egyptian culture as the pyramids or Sphinx.
Scarabs were used for almost all walks of life in Egyptian culture, whether it was for ornamental purposes, or a good luck charm for a new marriage or birth. Whether it was made from a simple rock, or more ornate and semi-precious stones and gems, such as carnelian, lapis, lazum, ivory or bronze, the proliferation of the varying types of scarabs was abundant in ancient Egypt. The most common scarabs were made from a soft rock, known as steatite, and covered in a turquoise glaze.
Over a dozen kids got to create their own unique decorative scarabs out of polymer clay.
“With the library celebrating its kids’ summer “Reading Bug” theme, the Egyptian program seemed like a natural fit”, said Emily Franklin, the Jackson branch children’s librarian. Franklin said the Jackson branch is very lucky to have principal library assistant Linda English onboard to conduct the program, saying she “loves all things Egyptian” and has been intrigued by the ancient culture for years. English showed the kids her own personal scarab a friend brought back for her on a trip to Egypt.
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