Object number: E.47.1902
Description: This small wooden box coffin, believed to be for a dog, was discovered by John Garstang at Beni Hasan and gifted to the Museum in 1902. The coffin is made from twelve pieces of Lebanese cedar wood (Cedrus Libani), although only eight are preserved, with mitred corners held together by dowels. The exterior of the coffin is painted yellow with a band of hieroglyphic text extending around each side and on the lid. The text indicates the owner of the coffin was named Heb.
Measurements: H. 27cm x W. 70cm x D. 20cm.
Analysis: Coming soon.
Commentary: A replica of this coffin was made by ancient woodworking specialist, Dr Geoffrey Killen, in March 2019 for a ‘Pop-Up’ Egyptian Coffins outreach project in Wisbech and the Fens. The video below shows a time lapse of this work, and below that you can view images of the construction process.
Bibliography: The coffin was published by Angela Tooley in the 1988 edition of the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology.
Dog coffin showing the original (left) and the replica (right) made by Geoffrey Killen.
Original dog coffin showing hieroglyphic text.
Dr Geoffrey Killen inserting a dowel joint into the replica coffin box.
Dr Geoffrey Killen assembling the replica lid.
