Music creative SZA took to Instagram to reveal a new tattoo of a Scarab beetle, a spiritual symbol of life, death and protection first depicted in ancient Egyptian art. SZA received the tattoo at Brooklyn-based Atelier Eva, a chic studio directed by Eva Karabudak, a Turkish artist known for her finely detailed work. The beetle was placed on SZA’s shoulder just below a tattoo reading Norma, which she added in 2019 following the death of her grandmother who passed away at age 90.
On the receiving end of push back from posters who described the beetle as a roach, SZA (real name Solána Rowe) retweeted several posts explaining the historical significance of the Scarab beetle. Unlike a roach, the ornate wings of the beetle are extended and it’s holding a radiating spherical figure over its head. Meanwhile, the bug’s bottom two legs are connected to the Eye of Horus, a symbol of prosperity and protection.
One post quoting an exchange with accessory designer Pamela Love, who has used the beetle in her work read, “Along with embodying the concept of existence, development and growth, the scarab was revered for representing the cycle of life and death: “It was seen as a form of protection,” Love explains. The extraordinary bestial was therefore carved or molded into treasured accessories or amulets throughout the centuries.
Check out an additional image of SZA’s tattoo below.
