Coffin of Nesykhonsu

c. 976–889 BC

Coffin of Nesykhonsu, c. 976–889 BC. Egypt, Thebes, Third Intermediate Period, late Dynasty 21 (1069-945 BC) to early Dynasty 22 (945-715 BC). Gessoed and painted sycamore fig; overall: 70 cm (27 9/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1914.714 Egyptian coffins told stories and illustrated spells to help the deceased transition safely to the afterlife. Inside Nesykhonsu's coffin there are two jackals, one facing right and the other left, near the top. Here, the jackal represents the powerful deity Anubis, the god of the afterlife and embalming. Two of Nesykhonsu's titles, "Lady of the House" and "Singer of the Choir of Mut the Great," are written on the outside of the coffin.