An Egyptian archeology mission working on the west bank of the Nile has discovered 30 intact and sealed coffins of 22nd Dynasty priests and priestesses of Egypt's deities Amun and Khonsu. During the 10th century BC, almost 3000 years ago, tomb robbers were widespread in Egypt, stealing the funerary collections found in tombs and destroying coffins and mummies. Pharaonic priests would often hide coffins to protect them. Some of the coffins are fully painted with scenes from the book of the dead and the titles of the deceased, while others are partly painted, and a few are plain. The coffins will be restored before being transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum for display in a special hall.
30 Intact, Sealed, and Painted Coffins Unearthed in Luxor, Egypt
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Paint on a coffin with scenes from the book of the dead and the titles of the deceased. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Dr. Waziri says, "the coffins are sealed with anchors, and there are no signs of humidity, that is why the mummies are in perfect condition of preservation." (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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There were modern Egyptian residents in Al-Asasif area till a few years ago, which made pressure on these coffins while unearthed, causing cracks and scratches in the paints. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Dr. Waziri explains, "fisted hands position on the coffins is for men, and the open hands' gesture is for women." (H. Elrasam/VOA)
