Anthropoid Coffin
Egyptian Art
Place of production | Naga ed-Deir (?), Egypt |
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Date | ca. 22nd century B.C. |
Object type | stela |
Medium, technique | Limestone, painted |
Dimensions | 36.5 × 48 × 5 cm |
Inventory number | 60.19-E |
Collection | Egyptian Art |
On view | Museum of Fine Arts, Basement Floor, Ancient Egypt, Daily life |
The rectangular stela commemorates the “royal seal bearer” and “sole friend” Rudj-ahau and his wife “the royal ornament” Ipepy. The titles and the staff held by Rudj-ahau express the high status of the owners. The staff has a secondary, compositional function as it divides the stela into two parts. The figures of the couple, wearing broad collars and bracelets, can be seen on the left side while the right side of the stela shows an offering table with vegetables and meat. Above the table a short offering formula, addressed to Anubis, was carved to provide the essential offerings of bread and beer to the deceased couple.
This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.