© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Peter Harholdt.

ClassificationsAncient Egyptian Art

Face from a Coffin

AAT Object Techniquepainting (image-making)

AAT Object Form/Functionheads (representations)

AAT Object Form/Functioncoffins

Place CreatedEgypt, Africa

CultureEgyptian

Periodmid Third Intermediate Period

Dateca. 900 BCE

MediumWood, paint

Credit LineCharlotte Lichirie Collection of Egyptian Art

Dimensions6 5/16 x 6 5/16 x 4 15/16 in. (16 x 16 x 12.5 cm)

Object number1999.001.145

Label TextOn many coffins of the Third Intermediate Period which were made out of soft local woods, a finely carved face of hard wood has been inserted into the lid. This economical use of imported and recycled cedar and ebony would allow the most important aspect of the coffin-the visage-to be rendered in a precise and lasting way. This face is painted red to equate the deceased with the sun god.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Galleries, February 2000 - Spring 2001
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, September 2001 - June 2008
MCCM Permanent Collection Gallery, June 6, 2013 - Present
Published ReferencesPeter Lacovara and Betsy Teasley Trope, The Realm of Osiris (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2001), 52.

ProvenanceEx coll. Niagara Falls Museum, Niagara Falls, Canada. Purchased by MCCM from William Jamieson (1954-2011) [Golden Chariot Productions], Toronto, Canada.

Status

On view

Collections