Outer Coffin of Khonsu
The coffin of Khonsu was found in the Tomb of Sennedjem (TT1), Khonsu’s father, at Deir el-Medina, West Thebes. This wooden coffin bears decoration related to Chapter 17 of the Book of the Dead on its long sides.
On one side Anubis can be seen mummifying the body of Osiris (with whom the deceased is now identified), while Isis and Nephthys kneel at either side. Khonsu and his wife observe in the form of human-headed birds.
On the opposite side of the coffin, a black-skinned god represents the fertility of the Nile Valley, while Khonsu and his wife sit within a booth in the register below. At either end of the coffin the goddesses Isis, Nephthys, Serket and Neith can be seen.
Coffins were generally made of wood, metal, stone or pottery. Gold and silver was used on some coffins, but this was generally reserved for kings or royalty. Some Egyptians were also buried with funerary objects. Not all could afford these though.
Two lions of Aker, the ancient Egyptian earth and underworld god, can be seen above, with the sun-disc rising over the horizon between them.
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramesses II, ca. 1279-1189 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 27302
