Egyptian polychrome sarcophagus panel, Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, c.1991-1962 BC
Wood and paint
Dimensions: 29.3 x 140 x 4cm
11642
£ 48,000
Further images
Side panel from a sarcophagus with the natural wood decorated with one horizontal and two vertical bands of hieroglyphic text, outlined and detailed in black, and painted in blue. The...
Side panel from a sarcophagus with the natural wood decorated with one horizontal and two vertical bands of hieroglyphic text, outlined and detailed in black, and painted in blue. The text is bordered with bands of white and a paler blue. The horizontal text invokes "Osiris, foremost of the Westerners for a goodly burial in the necropolis in the West, for the Ka of the blessed spirit, Hathor-hetep". One vertical column bears the name of Nut. The back of the panel has traces of three horizontal rows of hieroglyphic text, consisting of a row of seated deities; the name of Hathor-hetep repeated below. Fifty-four columns along the bottom of the panel listing offerings, each with a hieroglyphic representation. A band of black painted hieroglyphic text on one end.
Recomposed from three sections, with remains of five dowel holes, losses and staining as to be expected.
During the Middle Kingdom it was customary for the deceased to be buried in rectangular wooden sarcophagi, painted on the inner and outer surfaces with hieroglyphic text to protect and speed the deceased on their perilous journey through the afterlife. Known as spells, these texts reflect the fear that the deceased would not be able to enter paradise, and for the soul to be reborn.
Recomposed from three sections, with remains of five dowel holes, losses and staining as to be expected.
During the Middle Kingdom it was customary for the deceased to be buried in rectangular wooden sarcophagi, painted on the inner and outer surfaces with hieroglyphic text to protect and speed the deceased on their perilous journey through the afterlife. Known as spells, these texts reflect the fear that the deceased would not be able to enter paradise, and for the soul to be reborn.
Provenance
Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK; acquired from 'Haller', 28th April 1976Private collection, UK, acquired June 1976
Private collection, UK; acquired October 2006
