Inner coffin of Sebekhetepi

From the tomb of Sebekhetepi, Beni Hasan, Egypt
Middle Kingdom, about 2125-1795 BC

Painted wooden inner coffin

Like many wealthy individuals of the Middle Kingdom (about 2040-1750 BC), Sebekhetepi was buried in two rectangular coffins. The inner coffin was made of imported cedarwood, which was of much higher quality than that of local trees. The palm tree, the most common in Egypt, does not consist of wood as such, but coarse fibres, which are unsuitable for carpentry.

The decoration of the exterior of the coffin is cut into the wood, and painted. The inscriptions running down the centre of the lid and around the top of the case are written in blue on a white band. The edges of the lid and corners of the case are decorated with long striped bands separated by perpendicular short bands in the same colours.

The large wedjat eyes on one side are similarly in blue against a white background, surrounded by a multicoloured border. These enabled the mummy, placed on its side so it faces the wedjat eyes, to see out of the coffin. The inside of the coffin is decorated with representations of offerings.