The burial of the dead in Ancient Egypt was an elaborate and ritualised process, with beaded masks and adornments such as amulets rising in popularity during the Late Period. As a symbol of rebirth and regeneration, the scarab was laid near to the chest atop of the heart and final resting place of the soul. The Four Sons of Horus were positioned slightly lower, suggestive of their roles as protectors of the organs; Imsety protected the liver, Duamutef the stomach, Hapi the lungs, and Qebehsenuef the intestines. The four protected organs were in fact removed from the body, and embalmed before being stored in their corresponding canopic jars. By contrast, the brain was thought to be of no use in the afterlife and was therefore simply discarded.
Framed Ancient Egyptian Faience Beaded Panel with a Winged Scarab and Four Sons of Horus
£ 200.00
A delicate Ancient Egyptian Panel consisting of small faience beads glazed with rich turquoises, greens, and reds restrung according to its original arrangement. Depicted at the bottom of the piece in turquoise, green and red beading is the heads, are the Four Sons of Horus: Imsety, Duamutef, Hapi and Qebehsenuef. Above the figures is a winged scarab with cream coloured eyes and red beads which outline the body of the scarab. This is connected to the wider panel via tubular turquoise and darker blue-toned beads. This imagery would likely have formed part of a wider tripartite work, additionally featuring a stylised face of the deceased, onto which this piece was placed at burial to serve both decorative and protective functions. It is also possible that this specific beadwork may have alternatively lain disconnected to the facial element, and was placed upon the mummy’s chest as a pectoral embellishment. This piece has been mounted on velvet and placed in a modern frame.
Period: Late Dynastic Period
Condition: Very fine condition with some slight bead wear.
In stock
| Weight | 494.5 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 22 x W 17 cm |
| Culture | |
| Faience | Black Faience, Blue Faience, Green Faience, Red Faience, Turquoise Faience |
| Region |
