Unpublished, Anthropoid Wooden Coffin's lid at Kom Ousheim's Storeroom in Fayoum

Abstract

The article discusses the study and publication of a wooden anthropoid coffin lid from the Kom Osheim storehouse in Fayoum; inv. no. 850. The study focuses on the essence of the anthropoid sarcophagus, its beginning, continuation, and usage throughout ancient Egyptian history. It also focuses on the depictions and representations on the lid, and its connection with the Egyptian dogma. The study also includes other anthropoid sarcophagi examples, which, in comparison to the lid under study, helps dating it to the Ptolemaic period, specifically between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Attributing the lid to the Ptolemaic period revolves around the presence of Hellenistic elements, like the checkerboard decorative motive. Such elements and influences were a result of fusion between the Egyptian and Hellenistic elements, which are presented in their Hellenistic forms on the coffin lid.