Cartonnage of
Nespanetjerenpere
Egypt
probably from Thebes
Third Intermediate Period
Dynasty 22 to early Dynasty 25
circa 945–718 B.C.E.
Linen or papyrus mixed with plaster
pigment, glass, lapis lazuli
height: 6911⁄16 in. (177 cm).
The decoration of Nespanetjerenpare’s cartonnage
richly details the theme of resurrection and permanence. Above the wesekh-collar is a protective pectoral in the form of a djed-pillar and a tyet-amulet. The djed-pillar is the hieroglyphic writing of the word “stability” or “endurance,” and the sign tyet, often written in assocation with djed, expresses the idea of well-being. Below the wesekh-collar is a ram-headed falcon pendant, a representation of the solar god as he travels through the underworld at night. Ihe cartonnage base is decorated with ankh-signs and was-scepters, the hieroglyphs for “life” and “power.” The small registers in the front depict a variety of deities associated with the parts of the body—like the eyes, lips, and teeth—deities who serve to protect the owner and keep his mummy bound together for eternity

