Inner Coffin of Itamun, inscribed for Nesiamun
The coffin set of the General's Charioteer, Itamun (an outer coffin (26.3.1a, b), this inner coffin, and a mummy board (26.3.3)) was found in a reused tomb in a valley south of Deir el-Bahari. Itamun's outer coffin was not completely closed, as this coffin, made originally for a priest and copper engraver of the temple named Nesiamun, was slightly too large.
The layout and decoration of the lid is similar to that of the outer coffin, with the deceased in a tripartite wig with floral fillet, elegant features and large ears, and hands fisted over the chest. A winged figure of Nut again divides the upper and lower parts of the lid. In this case, the space above contains a djed pillar flanked by deities in human form; the lower part is divided by bands of inscription into ten symmetrical sections containing images of various deities. Additional illustrations adorn the sides of the box. In contrast to the outer container, this coffin has been varnished.
This coffin and the associated mummy board are on long-term loan to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The layout and decoration of the lid is similar to that of the outer coffin, with the deceased in a tripartite wig with floral fillet, elegant features and large ears, and hands fisted over the chest. A winged figure of Nut again divides the upper and lower parts of the lid. In this case, the space above contains a djed pillar flanked by deities in human form; the lower part is divided by bands of inscription into ten symmetrical sections containing images of various deities. Additional illustrations adorn the sides of the box. In contrast to the outer container, this coffin has been varnished.
This coffin and the associated mummy board are on long-term loan to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Artwork Details
- Title: Inner Coffin of Itamun, inscribed for Nesiamun
- Period: Third Intermediate Period
- Dynasty: early Dynasty 21
- Date: ca. 1000–950 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Unfinished Temple ("Seankhkare") Valley, Pit Tomb MMA 1008/1016 (Mond 8), MMA excavations, 1920–21
- Medium: Wood, paste, paint
- Dimensions: L. 186 × W. 54 × H. 61 cm (73 1/4 × 21 1/4 × 24 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1926
- Object Number: 26.3.2a, b
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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