Part of a cover for a mummy: chest plate

Information sur l’artiste
EGYPT, HAWARA REGION (FAYUM) ?

Date de l’œuvre libre
circa 300 B.C.
Egypte, élément de parure de momie : plaque de poitrine, Epoque Ptolémaïque.
Égypte,
Élément de parure de momie : plaque de poitrine, Époque ptolémaïque.
Image © Lyon MBA - Photo Alain Basset
Contenu

In the Ptolemaic era, a new method for wrapping bodies for burial emerged: decorative cartonnage mummy covers. This “chest plate” would originally have belonged to a set comprising a mask with a chest piece, a chest plate, and sandal soles. It was attached to the mummy's outer shroud with very thin bandages in a criss-cross pattern that left traces which are still visible.

 

The scenes and motifs carry on Pharaonic themes: a Usekh collar made from several rows of multi-coloured pearls is spread out beneath a winged disc flanked by cobras, with falcon-head clasps below a solar disc.

 

Underneath is the scarab beetle Khepri, wings stretched out, holding the sun before him; on either side are vignettes featuring papyrus stalks and two Wadjet eyes. The lower two levels are taken up by a scene depicting an embalming taking place before Anubis, Isis, as well as Nephthys, and by a boat carrying these three deities. Each of these images contributes to providing symbolic and magical protection for the deceased and helps them to be reborn in the Kingdom of Osiris.
 

Artwork label
Description de l’œuvre

Egypt Hawara region (Fayum) ?
Early Ptolemaic era
Painted cartonnage (layers of linen, plastered and stuccoed)
H. 42.8; W. 30.2; Thk. 0.3 cm
Gifted by Bernadette Constans in 2002
Inv. 2005-10