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Material : Silver and Gold
Height : 185
Found in : Tanis , Tomb of Psusennes I , Crypt of Psusennes I (1940)
Period : Third Intermediate Period
Reign of : Psusennes I
Dynasty: XXI
Belonged_to: Psusennes I
Archeologist : Pierre Montet
This silver sarcophagus belonging to King Psusennes I was found in his tomb in Tanis , among other significant treasures including gold funerary masks , coffins , gold masks , and numerous other items of precious jewelry belonging to Sheshonq III , and general Undjebauendjed . This receptacle was the innermost of the three sarcophagi that contained the mummy of Psusennes I . When first discovered by Pierre Montet , this sarcophagus housed the mummy of Psusennes I wearing the funerary mask with which he was buried .
Totally wrapped , the King's body was depicted in the Osiride-form on the lid of this anthropoid (mummy-shaped) coffin . A braided false beard curved up and fastened to his chin . He is pictured holding the crook and flail with his arms crossed at the chest . Over the head , there is a nemes "Pharaonic cap" decorated with a gold uraeus serpent (symbol of protection against evil influences) in the center . Hanging down from his neck is a broad necklace with multiple strings . Most admired is the black line applied to the eyes which are covered by a layer of glass paste .
The whole sarcophagus is ornamented with carvings of a herring-bone pattern Decorating the lid are three birds with the head of a vulture , falcon and ram; each grasps with the talons shen cartouches . There are some lines of Hieroglyphics , spells and prayers to different gods on behalf of the deceased . The two sisters Isis and Nephthys , the guardian goddesses of the deceased , are shown at the feet of the receptacle . Their presence on the sarcophagus was thought to watch over , mourn , and prepare the deceased his/her rebirth . From inside , there is a scene depicting Nut , goddess of the Sky , posing on the symbol of gold , Nub .
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