Foot covering from a mummy, with scorpions on soles
The footcase depicts the soles of two sandals with a scorpion crushed beneath each one. The imagery reflects the ancient Egyptians' desire to control the dangerous elements of their world, a concern that here is transferred to the world of the afterlife. On the mummy, the scene was intended to give power to the deceased over the inimical forces that he would encounter on his nightly journey through the netherworld to-ward rebirth each dawn.
Artwork Details
- Title: Foot covering from a mummy, with scorpions on soles
- Period: Ptolemaic Period–Roman Period
- Date: late 3rd century BCE–1st century CE
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Wood, gesso, paint
- Dimensions: H. 11.5 cm (4 1/2 in.); W. 11.1 cm (4 3/8 in.); D. 13.6 cm (5 3/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund
- Object Number: O.C.348
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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