Bird Coffin of Iihetek
664–30 B.C.E.
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Object Label
This extraordinary coffin contained two small bird mummies. It is shaped like an Egyptian shrine and decorated with images of the goddesses of mourning, Isis and Nephthys. The rear of the coffin displays a djed-pillar, a symbol of Osiris often found on the back of human coffins. The reasons why the man named Iihetek had this unusual coffin type made remain unclear.
Caption
Bird Coffin of Iihetek, 664–30 B.C.E.. Copper alloy, animal remains (2 individuals), linen, 15 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 2 11/16 in. (38.7 x 8.9 x 6.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1391Ea-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Bird Coffin of Iihetek
Date
664–30 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 26, or later
Period
Late Period to Ptolemaic Period
Geography
Reportedly from: Saqqara, Egypt
Medium
Copper alloy, animal remains (2 individuals), linen
Classification
Dimensions
15 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 2 11/16 in. (38.7 x 8.9 x 6.8 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.1391Ea-b
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