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Mummy Bandage, Ii-em-hetep, born of Ta-remetj-hepu

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Spell 149, recorded on these bandages, describes fourteen underworld “mounds,” their landscape, inhabitants, and potential obstacles. This knowledge was believed to give power to the deceased and assist his or her transformation. The vignettes represent the geographical location of each “mound” and its properties. For instance, the pig-like creature with a long tail is associated with the fiery mound 12, while the standing hippo-crocodile deity, Hebed-eref (One Who Opens His Mouth), alludes to the watery location of mound 13.
MEDIUM Linen, ink
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES 332 B.C.E.-1st century C.E.
    PERIOD Ptolemaic Period or later
    DIMENSIONS 3 3/8 x 8 7/8 in. (8.5 x 22.5 cm) Threads per square cm: Warp: 67 x Weft: 21  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.2039.14E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Spell sequence: BD 149 V
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Mummy Bandage, Ii-em-hetep, born of Ta-remetj-hepu, 332 B.C.E.-1st century C.E. Linen, ink, 3 3/8 x 8 7/8 in. (8.5 x 22.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.2039.14E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.2039.14E_view2.jpg)
    IMAGE detail, CUR.37.2039.14E_view2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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