Coffin and Cover of Princess Mayet

Coffin and Cover of Princess Mayet

Princess Mayet, a wife of King Nebhepetre Mentuhotep, the founder of the Middle Kingdom and a great conqueror, died very young. As was typical in the Middle Kingdom, her coffin is rectangular with a flat cover. The cover has a single line of painted inscription, an offering formula, down the center. A similar formula appears on the sides of the coffin. A pair of magical eyes painted at the end on one long side allows the deceased to see when the priest makes offerings.

• Medium: Wood, painted
• Dates: ca. 2008-1957 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: XI Dynasty
• Period: Middle Kingdom
• Dimensions: 16 15/16 x 15 1/2 x 71 3/4 in. (43 x 39.4 x 182.2 cm)  (show scale)

Brooklyn Museum

source: brokklynmuseum.org