Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Stone heart scarab with inscription - 6.8 cm

Ancient Egyptian Heart Scarab in Stone with Inscription This ancient Egyptian heart scarab in stone dates from the New Kingdom and was created as a funerary amulet intended to protect the deceased in the afterlife. Heart scarabs were among the most important protective amulets in ancient Egyptian burial culture and were placed on the chest of the deceased during mummification. The heart (ib) occupied a central role in ancient Egyptian belief and was considered the seat of intellect, memory, personality, and moral character. In the afterlife judgment before Osiris, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the Feather of Ma’at, the symbol of truth and justice. The purpose of the heart scarab was to prevent the heart from betraying its owner and to ensure a successful transition into the eternal life beyond. The underside of the scarab bears eight horizontal lines with an inscription containing a magical funerary text. Such inscriptions often resembled the Book of the Dead, particularly Spell 30B, the so-called “Spell to prevent the heart of the deceased from betraying him.” The text was intended to provide the deceased with protection and guidance before the god Osiris in judgment. The scarab itself represents the sacred scarab beetle (Scarabaeus sacer), associated with the sun god Khepri and notions of rebirth, regeneration, and eternal renewal. The form of the scarab thus carried strong symbolic meaning linked to resurrection and the continuation of life after death. A remarkable example of ancient Egyptian funerary art that combines religious symbolism, protective magic, and the New Kingdom’s characteristic belief in eternal life. Provenance: - Private collection, Germany, before 1960 - Private collection, Germany, acquired 1989 - Private collection, Germany, acquired 1993 - Private collection, Germany, gift 2011

Estimate:£7,538.31

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