Ancient Egyptian mummy boss from Hawara dated 30 BC – AD 395

Square piece of linen, with plaster and a domed disc or boss on one side, possibly plaster and linen. The linen side is plain. The plastered side has been painted a blue circle surrounding the boss, and then beige and yellow on the dome with a central square gold leaf, possible that all of the dome was covered with gold leaf, but seems unlikely from the look of the object. Fragile. Probably used in elaborate mummy wrappings as the centre for diamond shaped strapping. Small patch of black resin on boss.

Ancient Egyptian mummy boss from Hawara dated 30 BC – AD 395

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1911.58.17.b
  • Material: gold leaf linen plaster
  • Period: Roman Period
  • Excavator: W.M.F. Petrie
  • Dated: 30 BC - AD 395
  • Object name: mummy boss
  • Dimensions: Length: 37mm , Width: 36mm , Depth: 7mm
  • Published references: Petrie W M F The Labyrinth Gerzeh and Mazghuneh 1912 pp.29-36
  • Site: Hawara
  • Latitude: 29.266667
  • Longitude: 30.9