Sarcophagus of Meresankh II

Sarcophagus of Meresankh II
From Giza, tomb G 7410 B, Dynasty 4, 2606-2550 B.C.E.
Red granite, H x W x L: 93.2 x 85.5 x 225 cm (36 11/16 x 33 11/16 x 88 9/16 in.)
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 1927, MFA #27.441a-b
"Daughter of King Khufu and sister or half-sister of King Khafre, Meresankh II was buried in the royal mastaba field east of the Great Pyramid. She should not be confused with her niece, Meresankh III, whose pair statue is also on view in this gallery." (From info card)


Translation of the East Side of the Sarcophagus:
"Great of perfection, King's wife, Meresankh."
"Follower of Horus, Meresankh."


Translation of the West Side of the Sarcophagus:
"King's bodily daughter, Meresankh."
"Great of perfection, King's wife, Meresankh."


A close-up of some of the bow-shaped symbols (tyets?) on both the west and east sides of the sarcophagus...


"One who sees Horus and Seth, Meresankh."

The offerings are enumerated: 2. 1,000 (portions) of bread and beer, 3. 1,000 (portions) of all kinds of alabaster and linen, 4. 1,000 (portions) of incense, 5. 1,000 (portions) of all (kinds of) oxen, 6. and all (kinds of) fowl, and every sweet thing.

The other side continues with offerings, after declaring:

1. Follower of Horus, great of perfection, Meresankh."
2. 1,000 (portions) of barley, 3. 1,000 (portions) of emmer, 4. 1,000 (portions) of wheat, 5. 1,000 (portions) of besha-fruit, 6. 1,000 (portions) of dates, 7. 1,000 (portions) of dju-dju grain, 8.and 1,000 (portions) of carob beans."

Photos ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2014

Translation of the lid of the sarcophagus:
1. "A gift which the king gives to Anubis, lord of the necropolis, foremost of the divine booth..."
2."...the she might be buried as should be done for her, one great of perfection, Meresankh."


Hieroglyph of the god Set...