Menu
cropped Brain Chamber Logo.webp
  • Ancient Civilizations
    • The Aztec Empire
    • The Ancient Egyptians
    • The Ancient Greeks
    • The Etruscans
    • The Inca Empire
    • The Ancient Maya
    • The Olmecs
    • The Indus Valley Civilization
    • The Sumerians
    • Ancient Romans
    • Vikings
  • Historical Places
    • Fortifications
      • Castles
      • Fortresses
      • Brochs
      • Citadels
      • Hill Forts
    • Religious Structures
      • Temples
      • Churches
      • Mosques
      • Stupas
      • Abbeys
      • Monasteries
      • Synagogues
    • Monumental Structures
      • Pyramids
      • Ziggurats
      • Cities
    • Statues and Monuments
    • Monoliths
      • Obelisks
    • Megalithic Structures
      • Nuraghe
      • Standing Stones
      • Stone Circles and Henges
    • Funerary Structures
      • Tombs
      • Dolmens
      • Barrows
      • Cairns
    • Residential Structures
      • Houses
  • Ancient Artifacts
    • Artwork and Inscriptions
      • Stelae
      • Petroglyphs
      • Frescos and Murals
      • Cave Paintings
      • Tablets
    • Funerary Artifacts
      • Coffins
      • Sarcophagi
    • Manuscripts, Books and Documents
    • Transport
      • Carts
      • Ships and Boats
    • Weapons and Armor
    • Coins, Hoards and Treasure
    • Maps
  • Mythology
  • History
    • Historical Figures
    • Historical Periods
  • Generic selectors
    Exact matches only
    Search in title
    Search in content
    Post Type Selectors
  • Natural Formations
cropped Brain Chamber Logo.webp

The Brain Chamber » Ancient Civilizations » The Ancient Egyptians » Sarcophagus of Harkhebit

Sarcophagus of Harkhebit

Sarcophagus of Harkhebit

Posted on

The Splendid Sarcophagus of Harkhebit

In the early 26th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, Harkhebit held esteemed titles such as “Royal Seal Bearer,” “Sole Companion,” “Chief Priest of the Shrines of Upper and Lower Egypt,” and “Overseer of the Cabinet.” His final resting place, a tomb located east of the Djoser complex at Saqqara, reflects his high status. This tomb, part of a Late Period cemetery, was a deep shaft over sixty feet, sunk into the desert and solid limestone bedrock.

Get your dose of History via Email

loader

EMAIL ADDRESS*

Sarcophagus of Harkhebit 2

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

At the bottom of this shaft, within a vast chamber, a rectangular rock core was hollowed out to house Harkhebit’s anthropoid sarcophagus. When Egyptian authorities excavated the tomb in 1902, they found a decomposed gilded cedar coffin inside the sarcophagus. The remains of a mummy adorned with a gilded silver mask, gold finger and toe stalls, and various small amulets were also discovered. Accompanying canopic jars and shabti figures completed the burial ensemble. While these artifacts went to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the sarcophagus itself was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sarcophagus of Harkhebit 3

Distinctive Artistic Features

The sarcophagus is part of a group characterized by plump, broad faces, smooth bodies, and slightly protruding feet, all typical of the Memphite region. These sarcophagi date from the reign of Psamtik II (circa 595–589 B.C.) through the reign of Amasis (570–526 B.C.). Several pieces from this period, possibly from the same workshop, share these distinctive features. Harkhebit’s sarcophagus bears a strong resemblance to another in Leiden, which dates to the reign of Amasis.

Sarcophagus of Harkhebit 4

An Exquisite Example of Hard-Stone Carving

This sarcophagus is a prime example of late Egyptian hard-stone carving. Crafted from greywacke, it stands at an impressive height of 256.5 cm (101 inches) and measures 127 cm (50 inches) at the shoulders, with a combined lid and base thickness of 132.1 cm (52 inches). The interior carvings of hieroglyphs and figures, rendered in sunk-relief, were left rough, possibly intended to be painted, perhaps in green. The lengthy text on the lid is derived from the Book of the Dead, adding a spiritual dimension to the artifact.

Sarcophagus of Harkhebit 5

Preserving the Legacy

Today, the sarcophagus of Harkhebit remains a testament to the artistry and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian burial practices. It serves as a window into the past, offering insights into the beliefs, customs, and craftsmanship of a civilization that continues to fascinate the world.

Sources:

Metmuseum

Neural Pathways

Neural Pathways is a collective of seasoned experts and researchers with a profound passion for unraveling the enigmas of ancient history and artifacts. With a wealth of combined experience spanning decades, Neural Pathways has established itself as a leading voice in the realm of archaeological exploration and interpretation.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

©2025 The Brain Chamber | Wikimedia Commons Contributions

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy