Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom Stone heart scarab with inscription - 6.8 cm
06
days
11
hours
10
minutes
16
seconds
Current bid
€ 1,200
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 9,000 - € 13,000
 | €1,200 | |
|---|---|---|
| €1,100 | |
 | €1,000 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143806 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
New Kingdom stone heart scarab with inscription, 6.8 cm high, in excellent condition and authentic.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
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
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
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom
Century/timeframe
c. 1550 – 1070 B.C. New Kingdom, 18th – 20th Dynasty
Name of object
Stone heart scarab with inscription
Acquired from
Gifted
Year acquired
2011
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
6.8 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1993
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
