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12-Year-Old Discovers Ancient Egyptian Amulet In Israel

December 5, 2024

On a routine outing near the Nahal Kana antiquities site in Hod Hasharon, 12-year-old Dafna Filsteiner stumbled upon an extraordinary piece of history—a 3,500-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet.

What began as a casual search for porcupine spines and interesting stones turned into a discovery that has captivated historians and archaeologists alike.

The scarab amulet | Israel Antiquities Authority

"I was looking in the ground for porcupine spines and pebbles," Dafna shared. "I picked up an interesting stone and showed it to my mom. At first, she thought it was just a bead, but I saw something special and insisted we look it up online." After identifying similar artifacts on the internet, Dafna and her family contacted Israel's Antiquities Authority.

Their efforts were met with enthusiasm. Mor Wiesel, an archaeologist with the Antiquities Authority, praised Dafna's initiative and presented her with a certificate of excellence for good citizenship. The scarab amulet has since been transferred to the J. and Jeannie Schottenstein National Archeology Library, where it was studied by experts.

Dr. Yitzhak Paz, an expert on the Bronze Age, confirmed the amulet dates back to the New Kingdom period in ancient Egypt. The scarab is adorned with intricate symbols, including scorpions representing the goddess Serket, a protector of maternity, and the "nefer" symbol, meaning "good" or "chosen." These symbols, along with a motif resembling a ruler's staff, hint at its significance in Egyptian culture.

The scarab, shaped like a dung beetle, holds deep symbolic meaning in ancient Egyptian tradition, embodying themes of creation and renewal. Its discovery in Israel highlights Egypt's influence in the region during the Bronze Age, according to Dr. Paz.

The precise origins of the amulet remain a mystery. It may have belonged to a high-ranking figure passing through the area or been purposefully buried. Dr. Amit Dagan and Dr. Ayelet Dayan, who are leading excavations at the nearby Tel Kana site, described the find as "exciting and significant," offering fresh insights into Egyptian cultural influence in the Yarkon region.

Eli Escozido, director of the Antiquities Authority, commended Dafna's integrity in reporting the discovery.

"I would like to commend Dafna for reporting the discovery of the scarab and handing it over to the state treasures. Thanks to her, we are all exposed to an interesting and valuable archaeological item," he said.

Dafna received a certificate of appreciation from the Antiquities Authority, and now the scarab is going on public display for all to see.