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Coffin Set of Henettawy
by Ancient Egyptian (Unknown), -1000
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- -1000
- Medium
- Wood, gesso, paint, gold
- Size
- 203 cm (80 in) long
Cite or Embed This Work
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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.
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About Coffin Set of Henettawy
The coffin set is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It includes outer and inner coffins plus a mummy board.
Henettawy was a chantress of Amun-Ra at Karnak temple around 1000 BCE. This religious position allowed elite women to afford elaborate burial equipment.
The outer coffin measures 203 cm (80 inches) long. The nested set protected the mummy in progressively more intimate layers.
The yellow background represents gold and solar rebirth. Deities and spells cover every surface, magically protecting Henettawy through the underworld journey.
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