Mummy of Irtirutja with mask and other cartonnage elements

Ptolemaic Period
332–250 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 133
This mummified body belongs to a priest named Irtirutja and still includes the original linen wrappings. His mask and other cartonnage elements show repeatedly a winged scarab beetle with a sun disk, a symbol of regeneration. His elaborately decorated coffin (see 86.1.52a, b) features yet another scarab on the head, a broad collar with falcon-head terminals and various protective deities. The coffin’s inscription lists Irtirutja's paternal ancestors of seven earlier generations including his father Harresnet and his mother Taneferti.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mummy of Irtirutja with mask and other cartonnage elements
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 332–250 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Northern Upper Egypt, Akhmim (Khemmis, Panopolis), Egyptian Antiquities Service/Maspero excavations 1885–86
  • Medium: Mummified human body, linen, mummification materials, painted and gilded cartonnage
  • Dimensions: L. 170 × W. 39 × D. 30 cm (66 15/16 × 15 3/8 × 11 13/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 1886
  • Object Number: 86.1.53
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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