Sarcophagus of Harkhebit

The sarcophagus of Harkhebit exhibits typical Memphite craftsmanship, characterized by a plump, squarish face, a smooth, unarticulated body, and slightly protruding feet. The body is inscribed with sunk-relief hieroglyphs, including passages from the Book of the Dead. The interior carvings were left rough, possibly intended for painting, perhaps in green.

Harkhebit held several esteemed titles, including “Royal Seal Bearer,” “Sole Companion,” “Chief Priest of the Shrines of Upper and Lower Egypt,” and “Overseer of the Cabinet.” His tomb was a deep shaft, over 18 meters (60 feet), carved into the desert sand and solid limestone bedrock at Saqqara.

At the bottom, the sarcophagus rested in a chamber where a gilded cedar coffin and a mummy adorned with a silver mask, gold finger and toe stalls, and various amulets were discovered.

These characteristics are typical of Memphite craftsmanship from the era. The inscriptions on the sarcophagus, rendered in sunk-relief hieroglyphs, include passages from the Book of the Dead. The interior carvings were left rough, possibly intended for painting, perhaps in green.

Unlike other sarcophagi made from limestone or wood, this sarcophagus is made from greywacke, a type of dark sandstone that was popular in the Late Period. Greywacke is dense, durable, and difficult to work with, which makes it a remarkable choice for this high-status burial item.