An Egyptian Papyrus Fragment from the Book of the Dead, Late - Early Ptolemaic Period, ca. 350 - 300 BCE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $75 if shipping internationally.
This papyrus fragment preserves a portion of a funerary composition from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, written in Hieratic. The text is arranged in horizontal lines, executed in a confident black ink hand, with occasional rubrication in red, consistent with Late Period and early Ptolemaic manuscript practice. The surviving passage corresponds to a variant of Chapter 26, relating to the control and preservation of the heart in the afterlife. The partial translation reads:
“… I know … the gates of the necropolis … Osiris … east(?) … give(?) your arms … I have control over my heart … toward me. I am …”
The invocation of Osiris and the emphasis on agency over the heart reflect core theological concerns surrounding judgment and rebirth. The fragment illustrates the continued use and adaptation of earlier New Kingdom texts into later funerary traditions, often in abbreviated formats.
Medium: Papyrus
Dimensions: Frame: 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches (21.5 x 16.5 cm)
Condition: Fragmentary with losses to all edges, as shown with clear, crisp text that remains clear and well-preserved. Mounted on an archival suede background and housed in a modern frame.
Provenance: Nora Scott (July 14, 1905 – April 4, 1994), Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, (retired 1972), and acquired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art by deaccession. Gifted to L. Virginia Burton (1918–2009) Associate Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (retired 1977), and then by descent.
QUESTIONS? Just click the Contact Us tab on your right.
We ship Tuesday to Friday via ground courier and usually same-day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping, and insurance are free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.
For overseas shipments, we charge a low flat rate that includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance, and carrier fees, in compliance with all U.S. and International customs requirements.
Overseas shipments are sent via FedEx, DHL, or UPS International Priority, so contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.
Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.
Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
Choose options
