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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.