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Original fileHieroglyphic Inscriptions from the Sarcophagus of Seti I
Sarcophagus of Seti I 2023-02-17c
About This Work
The image captures a close-up, angled view of an off-white, semi-translucent stone surface carved with delicate, precise hieroglyphic characters. The stone features natural cloudy marbling and pitting. The horizontal lines of text are separated by incised registers, with some characters filled with pigment. The depth of the relief is shallow, reflecting the typical craftsmanship of the Ramesside period.
The Sarcophagus of Seti I is a masterpiece of New Kingdom funerary art, containing one of the most complete versions of the Book of Gates, which details the journey of the sun god Ra through the twelve hours of the night. This ritual text was intended to guide the pharaoh through the underworld to ensure his successful rebirth.
Inscriptions(Middle Egyptian)
Various Egyptian hieroglyphs, including the cartouche of Seti I and segments of the Book of Gates.
Translation
The text contains various names, titles, and ritual invocations associated with the solar journey and the protection of the deceased king.
Connected Texts
Book of Gates
The text incised on the sarcophagus is a direct excerpt from the funerary literature known as the Book of Gates.
Collections
Provenance & Source
Object
relief (sculpture)
calcite (mineral)
New Kingdom
Egyptian
ritual-object