Egyptian fragment of sarcophagus lid

ITEM: Fragment of sarcophagus lid
MATERIAL: Wood
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 835 mm x 355 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, B.E. (1933 - 2012), Nimes

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

An Egyptian Late Period sarcophagus lid typically dates from the 26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE) to the end of the 30th Dynasty, marking a time of renewed artistic expression, political change, and Egyptian cultural revival. The Late Period was a time when Egypt experienced several invasions, including by the Persians, yet the art and religious practices remained deeply rooted in the traditions of earlier periods. Sarcophagi from this time often featured a human-shaped lid or one with a mummiform design, reflecting the Egyptian belief in life after death and the desire for a peaceful and protected afterlife. The lids were typically made from wood, limestone, or stone, and often elaborately painted or carved with scenes that depicted the deceased, gods, and other symbolic motifs, meant to aid the individual in their journey to the afterlife.

These sarcophagus lids were carefully crafted to reflect the status and identity of the deceased, often incorporating hieroglyphic inscriptions, religious symbols, and sometimes portraits. The face of the deceased was sometimes painted or sculpted onto the lid to provide a likeness of the individual for the soul's recognition in the afterlife. Inscriptions were often prayers and texts from the Book of the Dead, which provided instructions on navigating the dangers of the afterlife and securing protection from deities. Gods like Osiris, Anubis, and Hathor were frequently depicted in these scenes, symbolizing resurrection, protection, and divine guidance. The overall theme of these sarcophagi was to ensure that the deceased’s body and soul were preserved, and that they were granted access to eternal life.

The artistic style of the Late Period was marked by a mix of traditional Egyptian motifs and influences from the Persian and Greek cultures as Egypt came under foreign rule. While the art remained mostly conservative, some elements, such as the use of color and symmetry, took on slightly new forms. The design of the sarcophagus lid also reflected the belief that the body of the deceased should be well protected and revered, ensuring the immortality of the soul. Sarcophagi lids from this period are valuable to archaeologists not only because they contain insights into Egyptian religious practices but also because they offer a window into the socio-political context of the Late Period.