This stuccoed and painted wooden box, dating to the Late Period, 26th–30th Dynasty (664–343 BC), was intended to contain shabtis – small figurines buried with the deceased to perform daily tasks on their behalf in the afterlife.
Measuring 31.5 × 27.5 × 37 cm, the box has a parallelepiped form with a base and four trapezoidal sides. The painted decoration uses bright colors and black lines to divide the surface into symbolic registers. In the lower panels appear the Four Sons of Horus – Hapi, Duamutef, Qebehsenuef and Imseti – protectors of the deceased’s internal organs. Above them are winged female figures, likely protective goddesses. On the front, a painted bolt and door panels evoke the threshold to the afterlife.
This 3D model was created in collaboration with the Museo Egizio in Turin with the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.
Information
Egypt, Late Period, 26th–30th Dynasty (664–343 BC)
Stuccoed and painted wood
Measures 31.5 × 27.5 × h 37 cm
MAEC, Egyptian Collection
