Abdominal Prop
This prop was found inside the abdomen of Tabakmut. Consisting of two pieces of cane wrapped individually and then tied together with a rag, its presence within the body suggests it was used as a jack to aid in the embalming process.
The mummification process reached a zenith during Dynasty 21, with bodies made as lifelike as possible. The preparation of the body often entailed not only the removal and separate preservation of the internal organs, but also the insertion of false eyes and the packing of the limbs and other areas to enhance their appearance. This prop could have been folded, inserted through the incision made in the lower abdomen, and then re-opened inside the body. It could thus have made it easier for the embalmers to remove the viscera (which were not in this case returned to the body) and insert packing material. It is also possible that the prop was used to enhance the shape of the mummy and facilitate the bandaging process.
The mummification process reached a zenith during Dynasty 21, with bodies made as lifelike as possible. The preparation of the body often entailed not only the removal and separate preservation of the internal organs, but also the insertion of false eyes and the packing of the limbs and other areas to enhance their appearance. This prop could have been folded, inserted through the incision made in the lower abdomen, and then re-opened inside the body. It could thus have made it easier for the embalmers to remove the viscera (which were not in this case returned to the body) and insert packing material. It is also possible that the prop was used to enhance the shape of the mummy and facilitate the bandaging process.
Artwork Details
- Title: Abdominal Prop
- Period: Third Intermediate Period
- Dynasty: late Dynasty 21
- Date: ca. 1000–950 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Tomb MMA 60, Chamber, Burial of Tabakmut (Ch2), MMA excavations, 1923–24
- Medium: Wood, cloth
- Dimensions: L. 23 × W. 19.5 cm (9 1/16 × 7 11/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1925
- Object Number: 25.3.174
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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