Coffin of Sithathor
Tomb 5115, east of the mastaba of Imhotep, contained a number of intact burials in several burial chambers. The coffins vary in date, indicating that the burials were probably made over a period of time. This coffin, inscribed for Sithathor, was found in Chamber B, and dates to an earlier part of the Middle Kingdom than the coffin of Ibsenhotep (see 14.3.64a, b). The exterior was painted with yellow, then adorned with a single band of inscription painted in blue around the top of the box asking for offerings and a beautiful burial in the necropolis In addition, a pair of wedjat eyes has been painted at the head end of one of the long sides. The mummy would have been placed on its left so that it could see out through these magical eyes, which had connotations of healing and rebirth. There is also a line of hieroglyphs on the lid.
Artwork Details
- Title: Coffin of Sithathor
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht South, Tomb 5115, MMA excavations, 1913–14
- Medium: Wood (Abies sp. or Cedrus sp.), paint
- Dimensions: L. 187.3 × H. 66 × W. 49.3 cm (73 3/4 × 26 × 19 7/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1914
- Object Number: 14.3.65a, b
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1919–1885 B.C.
ca. 1900–1885 B.C.
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
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