ticketsMember | Make a donation

Painted Wooden Coffin of Nesiamun

Third Intermediate Period
ca. 730–664 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
Discovered by the Metropolitan Museum during its 1922-23 excavations in Thebes, this coffin holds the remains of a man named Nesiamun. The inscription down the center of the lid is an offering prayer asking for food, incense, and other afterlife necessities. It identifies Nesiamun as the son of Bakenamun and Tahathor, but gives no clue to his occupation.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Painted Wooden Coffin of Nesiamun
  • Period: Third Intermediate Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 25 (Kushite)
  • Date: ca. 730–664 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Complex of Mentuhotep II, Court, south side, intrusive burial no. 3, MMA excavations, 1922–23
  • Medium: Wood, paint, resin
  • Dimensions: L. 196.5 cm (77 3/8 in.); W. 54 cm (21 1/4 in.); H. 43 cm (16 15/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.3.11a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Coffin Set of the Chantress of Amun-Re Henettawy, Wood, gesso, paint, varnish
Coffin Set of the Chantress of Amun-Re Henettawy
ca. 1000–945 B.C.
Outer Coffin of the Chantress of Amun-Re Henettawy, Wood, gesso, paint, varnish
Outer Coffin of the Chantress of Amun-Re Henettawy
ca. 1000–945 B.C.
Stela of Aafenmut, Wood, gesso, paint
Stela of Aafenmut
ca. 924–889 B.C.
Mummy Board inscribed for Henettawy daughter of Isetemkheb, Wood, gesso, paint
Mummy Board inscribed for Henettawy daughter of Isetemkheb
ca. 990–970 B.C.
Coffin of Irtirutja, Plastered, painted, and gilded wood
Coffin of Irtirutja
332–250 B.C.

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.