Mustaki Collection Black Steatite Heart Scarab
Mustaki Collection Black Steatite Heart Scarab
Mustaki Collection Black Steatite Heart Scarab

Mustaki Collection Black Steatite Heart Scarab

$398.44

A large black steatite Egyptian heart scarab. The front has been inscribed to depict a detailed head and divided wings. The amulet has been left free of hieroglyphs, and has been pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 664 - 525 BC
Period: Late Period
Provenance: Mustaki Collection. Mustaki was an avid collector in the early 20th century and his collection came to the UK under Egyptian licence in 1947. Many of his pieces are in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum, the Getty Museum and the Egyptian State Museum. We have purchased over 1700 scarabs from this collection and this item has been catalogued by Carol Andrews (formerly Egyptian Department in the British Museum)
Condition: Very fine

SOLD

SKU: VB-13 Category: Tags: ,

The scarab was one of the most popular ancient Egyptian amulets. They were used as pieces of jewellery, commemorative items and seals, and magical amulets offering protection and good fortune. However, from the Middle Kingdom, the Heart Scarab increased in popularity. The Egyptians believed the heart housed the spirit of the deceased, and so it was vital that the organ was protected. Heart scarabs not only acted as a talisman for protection, but also stood in place of the heart if it was damaged.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

 

 

Weight 24 g
Dimensions L 3.4 cm
Culture

Region

Stone