Shabti and Coffin of the King's Son Wahneferhotep

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1981–1640 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 110
The miniature coffin is inscribed with funerary spells as if it were an actual Middle Kingdom coffin. Inside was the shabti wearing a modified nemes, a type of head covering worn by the king. The standard spell on the shabti enabled the owner to avoid the burden of labor in the afterlife. These objects were usually placed in tombs, but this set was found near the pyramid of Senwosret I, likely as a kind of votive offering.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shabti and Coffin of the King's Son Wahneferhotep
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13
  • Date: ca. 1981–1640 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht South, Pyramid Temple of Senwosret I, Causeway, Northern lane, MMA excavations, 1913–14
  • Medium: Wood, paint, gold leaf.
  • Dimensions: 14.3.69a, b: L. 25.1 cm (9 7/8 in.) W. 10.4 cm (4 1/8 in.) H. 15.5 cm (6 1/8 in.); 14.3.70: H. 21 cm (8 1/4 in.); W. 6.8 cm (2 11/16 in.); D. 5.2 cm (2 1/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1914
  • Object Number: 14.3.69–.70-related
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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