Egyptian Statue - Mummy case sculpture / Sarcophagus. Antique patina + Amulets

Mummy case of Ani

Dimensions - Length - 26 cm / 10-1/2 inches

Height with closed lid - 11.5 cm / 4-5/8 inches

Width - 10cm / 4 inches



On offer here for the first time since April 2018...... is one of the most intricate and complex sculptures in the entire range. It includes a mummy case, wrapped crusty mummy and mask, assorted amulets and a miniature Isis stele. It takes a great deal of time to paint the coffin and prepare the many components from tiny scarab to hand cut mummy wrappings.

Made of a composition stone.

Details

The sky goddess Nut spreads her protective wings across the chest, her hieroglyphic name directly in front of her. Bands of hieroglyphics describing part of the necessary text for entry into the afterlife are in sunken relief and painted.

A broad, decorative collar encircles the neck region and bands representing straps of a false beard can be seen on the lower jaw.

Bands are also present on the coffin itself representing stylized straps that would have been used to secure the coffin and prevent it coming apart. Within the coffin a mummy that has been carefully wrapped with many, many meters of bandage, hand cut for a rustic effect. A mummy mask covers this and is painted in similar colours to the outer coffin. A group of amulets join the mummy within. A small scarab with the eye of Horus carved underneath, a small ushabti figure and a truly miniature Isis panel adding another touch of detail in this interesting piece. A pair of atmospheric collector cards featuring mummification and the painting of a coffin are also included and can be seen by scrolling further down the listing.

This is a conversation piece that has an authentic aged patina. I recommend using sand within the coffin to help position the mummy and mask because it looks and best this way. Some sand will be included which works to protect the mummy.



Background information

The bands of hieroglyphics have been deciphered and the translation reads top to bottom left to right.

(The Osiris Ani speaks "Oh mother Nut, stretch yourself over me that you might place me among the indestructible stars which are in you and I will not perish.")

Removing the lid reveals a votive mummy as a mere token reminder that the human being was fashioned from clay on the potters' wheel by the hands of the god Khnum. A small mummy mask adds that extra touch of detail and is finely painted with a lotus flower collar.

The mummy case or coffin is not to be confused with the associated word ‘sarcophagus’, which is a larger, usually rectangular box in stone or wood that houses the smaller mummy case/s inside. The cases themselves could also be rectangular by design as in most Old and Middle kingdom examples.

Anthropoid coffin forms were to undergo so much revolution in subsequent dynasties that it eventually became the preferred choice for Kings, Queens, nobility, and all strata of society that could afford it during the rest of Pharaonic history.

The most costly mummy cases were made of stone or imported wood. The cedar from Lebanon was a highly prized commodity and was used relatively sparingly compared with the abundant examples fashioned from the local acacia and sycamore trees.

Cartonnage - frequently made of plaster, mud, plant fibres or cloth, was also employed as a material for use in making not only the mummy cases but masks as well.

The mummy case of Ani is made from a composition stone so contains no un-natural resins or plastics and is guaranteed for 500 years. The mummy is wrapped in organic bandages that I cut myself and are carefully glued in place at different layers with fragrant wax. It is thus not recommended you unwrap the mummy or display outdoors.