Advanced Search 
Heart scarab of Iay
Heart amulet of Iay
Heart scarab of Iay
Egyptian
New Kingdom, Dynasty 18–19
1550–1186 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt
Medium/Technique
Steatite
Dimensions
Height x width: 4.2 x 3 cm (1 5/8 x 1 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift in memory of Dennis George Miles
Accession Number1997.82
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Scarabs and scaraboids
DescriptionBlack, heart-shaped with image of human robed figure reaching to "Benu bird" on left. Inscription on back of a spell from the Book of Dead.
[Alternate Text:]
The heart scarab evolved as an important part of the funerary trappings during the Second Intermediate Period and the New Kingdom. Later heart scarabs, such as those exhibited elsewhere in this case, are shaped like scarab beetles; this early one is in the form ancient Egyptians used to represent the human heart.
The deceased is shown wearing a long robe and with his hands upraised, worshiping a benu bird, symbolic of resurrection. The back of the amulet is inscribed with the Book of the Dead spell that compels the heart to avoid self-incrimination.
[Alternate Text:]
The heart scarab evolved as an important part of the funerary trappings during the Second Intermediate Period and the New Kingdom. Later heart scarabs, such as those exhibited elsewhere in this case, are shaped like scarab beetles; this early one is in the form ancient Egyptians used to represent the human heart.
The deceased is shown wearing a long robe and with his hands upraised, worshiping a benu bird, symbolic of resurrection. The back of the amulet is inscribed with the Book of the Dead spell that compels the heart to avoid self-incrimination.
ProvenanceBy 1997: with Alan Jerome Eisenberg; 1997: purchased from Royal Athena Gallery by private collector; 1997: given to the MFA anonymously in memory of Dennis George Miles.