Coffin Set of Henettawy

Ancient Egyptian The Coffin Set of Henettawy comprises nested coffins and a mummy board from the Third Intermediate Period, around 1000 BCE. The elaborately painted surfaces show the deceased surrounded by protective deities, with a large scarab beetle representing rebirth spreading its wings across the chest. Henettawy was a chantress of Amun-Ra at Karnak temple, a prestigious religious position.

The coffins feature the yellow background traditional of this period, representing gold and solar symbolism. Hieroglyphic inscriptions name the many gods protecting Henettawy's journey through the underworld. The face is gilded, indicating her high status, while the body is covered with detailed divine imagery.

The Metropolitan Museum displays the complete set, demonstrating how elite Egyptians were buried during the time of divided kingdoms.