Object Image

Mummy Board of Tabakmut

Unknown Artist

This mummy board was found nested inside Tabakmut's outer and inner coffins (25.3.10a, b and 25.3.11). When the excavators opened the inner coffin, they found that the face, wig, and hands of this board had been chopped off, likely because they prevented the funeral party from closing the lid. Fortunately, most of the pieces had been tucked inside the box, so the face and hands at least could be restored.

As on the inner and outer coffins, the deceased wears a striated wig bound with a fillet, but in this case he has a short trapezoidal beard, associated with the living, attached to his chin rather than the long "divine" version seen on the inner coffin. Beneath the elaborate collar that covers the shoulders and neck, the board is divided by bands of inscription into square sections containing images of the deceased before Osiris. The interior was left undecorated.

Note that Tabakmut's name was not included in any of the inscriptions.

Credit: Rogers Fund, 1925

c. 1000-950 B.C.
Wood, paint, paste
67.3in
25.3.12
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2020

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection