Ancient Egyptian model coffin from Faiyum or Abydos dated 664 – 332 BC

Rectangular wooden model coffin. Barrel vaulted top with a central flat strip, with square corner pillars. Made from a single piece of wood. Bottom may have been separate, or integral, it is now missing due to insect damage probably occuring in the tomb. The coffin may have had a small inner cavity, perhaps for an animal mummy or parts of the deceased, or for a book of the dead. The exterior of the box is painted white with red and blakc decoration. On the barrel vaulted sides of the lid, have images of seated deities alternately in red and green. They may be the four sons of Horus. or underworld deities. On one end there are two standing figures, one with a hawk head, the other a jackal.
The bottom is encrusted with grit or sand deposits.

Ancient Egyptian model coffin from Faiyum or Abydos dated 664 – 332 BC

Object details

  • Reference: INV:24450
  • Material: pigment plaster wood
  • Culture: Dynasty 26 - 30
  • Period: Late Period
  • Excavator: B.P. Grenfell
  • Dated: 664 - 332 BC
  • Object name: model coffin
  • Dimensions: Length: 179mm , Width: 68mm , Depth: 51mm
  • Published references: Petrie W M F Abydos 1 1902 35 - 36 ( pl LXXIV 1 2 3 )