Heart-Scarab of King Sobekemsaf II

Illustration

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
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published on 19 March 2018
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Heart-Scarab of King Sobekemsaf II Download Full Size Image

This amulet, in the form of a scarab beetle with a human face, was intended to ensure that the deceased passed safely through the judgment which would establish whether or not he was deserving eternal life. It is inscribed with an early version of Chapter 30B of "the Book of the Dead", the magical text intended to prevent the heart from testifying against its owner. It is carved from green jasper, set in a gold mount, and is the earliest known example of such an amulet made for a king. Second Intermediate Period, 17th Dynasty, circa 1590 BCE. From Dra Abu el-Naga, modern-day Egypt. (The British Museum, London).

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About the Author

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.

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APA Style

Amin, O. S. M. (2018, March 19). Heart-Scarab of King Sobekemsaf II. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8369/heart-scarab-of-king-sobekemsaf-ii/

Chicago Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Heart-Scarab of King Sobekemsaf II." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 19, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8369/heart-scarab-of-king-sobekemsaf-ii/.

MLA Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Heart-Scarab of King Sobekemsaf II." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 19 Mar 2018. Web. 22 Feb 2025.

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