The scarab beetle of ancient Egypt is an emblem of the creator KHEPER. The word "Kepher" denotes being, existence, creation or becoming. The god Khepera is the self-existent maker of all things. The worship of the scarab, which is symbolic of resurrection and fertility, dates form the earliest period of civilization in Egypt. It was thought that a scarab beetle rolled the orb of the sun across the sky, and a winged scarab was associated with dawn and rebirth. In the ritual of mummification, a scarab replaced the heart. Carved scarabs served two major functions: as amulets with protective and religious powers and as a personal seal which designated the property and authority of the individual whose name was placed upon it. In both cases the power ascribed to the scarab was very great. In life it served as the signature of their owner and was thought to bring prosperity and in the afterlife it insured continuous re-birth through eternity. The underside of this scarab is inscribed with hieroglyphs. The design consist of a row of hieroglyphs down the center, framed on each side by a curled design. In the very center is a Kheper scarab beetle. This symbolizes Khepera, the new-born sun god and , hence, new life. Below the beetle are two signs for Nefer, which means "beauty" or perfection." Above the beetle is a hand with a forearm, the sign for "arm" above these are a rope and a game board.