![]() Egypt (Thebes), Third Intermediate Period, early Dynasty 22, 930-880 B.C.E. Cartonnage and mummy, Length: 167 cm (65 3/4 in.) Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way 1872, MFA #72.4820c Photos © Joan Ann Lansberry 2014 "This beautifully painted coffin contains the body of the Songstress of Amen, Tabes, wife of the Barber of Amen, Nes-Ptah. The emphasis of the elaborate painted design is on the magical protection of the deceased. The decoration follows a pattern very common on cartonnage coffins of this period, including the depiction of deities in the form of birds, sheathing the body with their wings in a protective gesture. "X-rays and CT scans indicate that Tabes was a relatively young woman at death. The examination identified no major illnesses, though Tabes appears to have suffered from dental disease. She was elaborated mummified and provided with a set of amulets and a heart scarab, which were placed beneath her wrappings." (From info card)
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