Mummy Plaque of Psusennes I
This plaque, or thin plate, was placed on the mummy of king Psusennes I over the incision made in the lower abdomen to remove the internal organs. The plate was intended to heal and form a scar over the incision.
In the center of the plate, there is a sacred wadjet eye flanked by the Four Sons of Horus, depicted standing with upraised arms as a sign of devotion. Hieroglyphs are engraved in the gold above the scene with the names of the Four Sons of Horus and the cartouche of the king. The entire scene and the text are framed by a thin incised line with holes at the four corners allowing the plate to be attached to the mummy’s bindings.
Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, ca. 1047-1001 BC. From tomb of Psusennes I, Tanis. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 85821
