The Mark of the Beast Is a Symbol

The beast itself is a symbol. It represents a pagan empire that persecutes god's people, namely the roman empire. And in chapter 17 of the book, we're told that its seven heads represent seven kings and seven mountains. So there's lots of symbolism connected to the beast. We shouldn't be surprised if its ark is a symbol also. That's very strongly suggested by its parallel the seal of god that's on the foreheads of the servants of god.