Private Collection, Brussels, acquired in the 1970s. Harmakhis, Brussels. Medusa Ancient Art, Montreal Canada, 2021. Private Collection, Colorado, USA.
Intact. Very fine condition with large chip to the lower left hand portion of the underside.
It is of common belief that the ancient Egyptians feared that the heart, which was the seat of memory and conscience, could potentially testify against the deceased at the Divine Tribunal after death. Placing a heart scarab within the mummy wrappings or over the heart of the mummy of the deceased was designed to prevent this. They are often inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead imploring the heart not to abandon its owner.
See Andrews, C.; Amulets of Ancient Egypt, pps. 44-45, no. 44a-g.
Grajetzki, W, Burial Customs in Ancient Egypt: Life in Death for Rich and Poor, Duckworth, London, 2003.
