Egyptian, said to be from Luxor
Dynasty 26 (664-325 B.C.)

The body of Ta-mit, probably a member of a family of hereditary priests, was mummified and sealed in this painted coffin more than 2,600 years ago. Her mummy disappeared long ago, but her name (which means “she-cat”) is preserved in the hieroglyphs on the coffin lid. Magical prayers and images painted on the interior and exterior of the coffin were intended to protect Ta-mit and help her cross into the next life. The sky goddess Nut spreads her wings protectively across the lid. Nut gave birth to the sun each day, and so was associated with rebirth. The coffin’s green face symbolizes new life, just as Osiris, god of the afterlife, was reborn like plants in the spring.

Wood with linen, gesso, and painted decoration
Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1906.1A-B