Record

Base of coffin and one of two mummified bodies

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from Thebes, Egypt

Postcard of Base of coffin and one of two mummified bodies.
000-180-000-799-C
© National Museums Scotland

Base of coffin and one of two mummified bodies

This unusual double coffin for two infants comes from Thebes. The painting inside the base shows the two boys as if they are adults. Probably half-brothers, one was around 18 months at death, the other nine months. One of the two mummies is shown.

The coffin base is made of several pieces of wood, painted with images showing the boys as adults. One of the two mummies is shown, its linen wrappings intact.

Double coffins from ancient Egypt are unusual, and it may be that the boys died together. The boys were mummified to help their souls become immortal. Mummification associated them with Osiris, King of the Dead.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-180-000-799-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1956.357 B
Date: Probably 2nd century AD
Roman Period
Roman Period
Material:
Dimensions: 31.00" L
700 mm H x 1160 mm L x 550 mm W
What: Coffin base
Mummy, human
Subject: Coffins
Im-het / mummies
Who: A.H. Rhind (Owner)
A.H. Rhind (Owner)
Where: Ancient Egypt, Thebes
Ancient Egypt, Thebes
Event:
Description: Base of anthropoid coffin, plastered and painted wood, made for two children : Ancient Egyptian, from Thebes, Roman Period
Mummy of a child wrapped in fairly coarse linen with simple cross-over outer bands: Ancient Egyptian, from Thebes, Roman Period
References:
  • Sheridan, J A (ed). Heaven and Hell and Other Worlds of the Dead. Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland, 2000. 
Translations:
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