Sarcophagus lid of Mernefer
This sarcophagus lid is in the likeness of a mummiform falcon wearing a tripartite wig and a wesekh-collar. The decoration of the sheathed body can be divided into four sections. The upper section (shoulders and torso) shows the four sons of Horus in groups of two (Duamutef / Amset and Hepi / Qebehsenuf) each pair facing a pectoral adorned with a winged scarab. Along the sides, two registers filled with deities with the head of a human, a scarab, an ibis or a ram. These registers are topped by a row of erect serpents which frame a column of text that mentions Osiris. Although the spelling leaves a lot to be desired, the colors are intense and the drawings are of the utmost quality (particularly the falcon's head). No mummy was found inside this sarcophagus, but, most likely, a so-called "Corn Osiris". The falcon figure encircling it is that of Sokar, a chthonic deity.
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Inscriptions on the Monument
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Transliteration
( If the Hieroglyphic,Demotic or Hieratic text is not appearing clear, install this file )
Dd mdw in Wsir xnty imntt nTr a3 nb BAx nb Mr-nfrt
Translation
Words spoken by Osiris, Foremost of the Westerners, the Great God, Lord of the region of Bakh, Lord of the city of Mernefer.
D. Austin dans : Catalogue d'exposition Les Cultes funéraires en Egypte et en Nubie, (Calais -Béthune-Dunkerque, 1988), 80-81. |