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Harnetatf hypocephalus necklace

Harnetatf hypocephalus, Egyptian necklace in sterling silver

An "hypocephalus", a precious testament to the rich funerary symbolism of ancient Egypt, appears as a disk made of various materials such as linen sheets impregnated with stucco, carefully crafted papyrus, wood, or finely wrought metal. Adorned with hieroglyphs and mythological scenes, these objects were specifically intended to accompany the mummies of prominent figures of the time, such as nobles, pharaohs, or priests, on their journey to the afterlife.

Used as essential elements of funerary furniture during the Saite, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods of Egyptian history, roughly between 663 BC and 641 AD, hypocephalus are distinguished by their dimensions typically ranging from 9 to 23 centimeters in diameter.

These disks played a crucial role in the funerary ritual by offering spiritual protection to the deceased against the dark forces of the afterlife. They were thus considered guides to eternity, also called "glorious," ensuring the deceased's transition to a state of bliss equivalent to that of deities such as the mighty Ra-Osiris.

Living symbols of Egyptian cosmogony, hypocephalus often represent the Eye of Horus, the solar manifestation of the god Ra, thereby conveying the belief in a continuity of life after death. The myth of Osiris reflects this conception of an eternal cycle of death and rebirth, where the sunrise and sunset respectively embody life and death, day and night, the world of the living and that of the dead.

To learn more about this emblematic object of ancient Egypt, you can consult:

 

 

The replica we have immortalized on this pendant is a faithful reproduction of the Harnetatf hypocephalus, the original of which is now reveredly preserved at the British Museum. This precious object, also known as the Hornedjitef hypocephalus, owes its name to the delicately engraved Egyptian hieroglyphs that frame its surface.

Discovered during the thrilling excavations of the El-Assasif necropolis, a historic oasis nestled in the rugged folds of Thebes, near Luxor, this authentic hypocephalus reveals a real diameter of 15.3 centimeters, thus testifying to its imposing presence among the buried treasures of antiquity.

Attributed to the eminent priest Hornedjitef, whose devoted service to the temple of Amun at Karnak dates back to the splendid reign of Ptolemy III, between 246 and 222 BC, this sacred object was an integral part of sumptuously elaborate funerary furniture. Alongside his majestic sarcophagus, mystical death mask, and linen-wrapped mummy, the hypocephalus found its place among other sacred relics such as a precious papyrus of the Book of the Dead, a revered statuette of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, and many other testimonies to the spiritual wealth of the time.

The upper part of the hypocephalus reveals a captivating scene where the divine boat of Kneph or Chuouphis, two primordial figures of Egyptian cosmology, takes place. Engraved with meticulous detail, this representation is dominated by the iconic figure of the four-headed ram, a powerful symbol associated with the city of Mendes or the solar god Amon-Ra. This sacred figure, venerated by baboons, embodies divine power and protection in the ultimate journey to the afterlife.

For a deeper exploration of this exceptional object, we invite you to discover the treasures of the British Museum as well as the research dedicated to Hornedjitef.

 

 

We offer another hypocephalus engraved with different hieroglyphs at the following link:

 

See the hypocephalus of Djed-Hor necklace

 

Metal: 925 silver.

Dimensions: approximately 3.8cm x 3.5cm.

Cord length: about 90cm.

I will need 5 days to complete your order before shipping.

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).

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I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags : necklace, Egyptian, Egypt, mythology, pendant, hieroglyph, archaeological reproduction, archaeology, Egyptian mythology, hypogeum, mummy, sarcophagus, funerary rite, funerary furniture, ancient Egypt, Saite, Ptolemaic, Roman, resurrection, afterlife, Book of the Dead, underworld, Ra, Osiris, Horus, death, Hornedjitef, antiquity,