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Fragment of coffin decoration
Egyptian
Likely Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Wood
Dimensions
Width x length: 13.5 x 34.8 cm (5 5/16 x 13 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.4799
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Coffins and sarcophagi
DescriptionThis fragment of a wooden coffin has well preserved painted decoration in white, red, yellow, and black. There is an overall white priming, much of which has worn or flaked off. Remaining decoration includes the upper portion of a falcon-headed sphinx with sun-disc and uraeus on its head (partially broken away). At the upper left the lower portion of a wing and uraeus cobra enter the field from the break. A black line at the lower right is the only trace of another element of the scene, of which no identification may be made from the remainder. The wood exhibits considerable insect damage.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way. (Accession date: June 28, 1872)