Ancient Egyptian Sarcophagus
“Sarcophagus” is the Greek term for the ancient Egyptian stone coffins. This word has a specific meaning, derived from two Greek words: “Sarc” (σάρξ), which means “flesh,” and “Phagus” or “Phagin” (φαγεῖν), which means “eat,” “eating,” or “eater.” Together, these two words form “sarcophagus,” which translates to “flesh-eating” or “flesh eater.” The oldest known sarcophagi discovered to date belong to the pharaohs of the 3rd dynasty, who ruled from approximately 2686 to 2613 BCE. These ancient coffins served as the eternal resting places for the deceased.
The Story of the Name “Sarcophagus”
Stone coffins for the mummies
One of the important questions we might ask is why the ancient Egyptians made stone coffins for their mummies. The answer might be surprising! They wanted to preserve the mummy for as long as possible so the deceased could go to the afterlife! This might sound a little inconsiderate. The magical powers of gods do not need the real physical body in the afterlife. Alternatively, gods can replace it with a new one. Many people widely believe that God is almighty!
The story takes a different turn. The ancient Egyptians had a strong belief in the sun. They thought that sunrise symbolized new life, while sunset represented death. This belief meant that with each sunrise, they would receive new life repeatedly. This concept was fundamental to humanity, particularly in ancient Egypt. Over time, this belief evolved into the practice of mummifying bodies to preserve them for as long as possible, with the hope that the sunrise would eventually grant them life once more.
When mummies faced the risk of damage, the ancient Egyptians created coffins to protect them from any creatures that might disturb or destroy their bodies. Durable materials like stone, wood, or metals were crucial for these sarcophagi. This ensured that the mummies remained safe and intact, preserving their bodies for the afterlife.
Anthropoid coffins versus Sarcophagi
As mentioned earlier, the term “sarcophagus” specifically refers to stone coffins, meaning we cannot use it to describe any other type of coffin. We simply refer to coffins made from different materials, such as golden or wooden anthropoid coffins, as “coffins.
While archaeologists have discovered thousands of sarcophagi, they have also found numerous other types of coffins, such as those belonging to King Tutankhamun, which artisans crafted from gold and wood.
Development of the Ancient Egyptian Sarcophagus
The size of the sarcophagus, from the early Old Kingdom through the end of ancient Egyptian history, was always sufficient to hold the deceased, often even larger. Later, the development of the sarcophagus mirrored the progression of their religion; as their beliefs developed, they incorporated more intricate details into the sarcophagus. This is why most sarcophagi discovered in the Old Kingdom are either plain or have only a few inscriptions on them.
By the end of the Old Kingdom, funerary texts known as Coffin Texts began to adorn the coffins, and these were later inscribed on the interiors of coffins during the First Intermediate Period and the Middle Kingdom. The Pyramid Texts, which are among the earliest funerary texts, ensured a prosperous afterlife for the deceased, who people viewed as manifestations of Osiris. Scholars consider these texts the earliest version of the Book of the Dead and recount the story of Osiris and the divine birth of Horus.
Important Religious Text
Decorated with the Pyramid Texts, rectangular coffins remained popular until the Middle Kingdom, when they began to be replaced by anthropoid (human-shaped) coffins. However, the ancient Egyptians still utilized stone for anthropoid coffins, indicating that the ancient Egyptians took considerable time to develop the proper tools needed to create these intricate art pieces.
In the Second Intermediate Period, the anthropoid shape embellished with wings became prevalent for both royal and non-royal coffins, referred to as rishi coffins, potentially associated with the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. These coffins included headdresses and collars that represented an Osirion image. This style persisted into the Third Intermediate Period, as seen in the elaborate coffins of Tutankhamun.
Ancient Egyptian Sarcophagus Facts
The ancient Egyptian religion was the foundation for the creation of ancient Egyptian coffins. The Egyptians excelled in the mummification process because they believed it was essential to preserve the body for as long as possible to reunite with the spirit known as “AKH” and to be granted a new life, referred to as “ANKH.” This entire process centered around the concepts of resurrection and the afterlife.
Design of Ancient Egyptian Sarcophagi and Coffins
Coffins were crafted from wood, metal, or pottery. They were often adorned with gold and silver. Sarcophagi, on the other hand, were constructed from stone, which limited inlays. The sarcophagus included the deceased’s name for recognition in the afterlife. It also contained a record of their accomplishments to aid in the final judgment.
In the Old Kingdom, sarcophagi were simple, later incorporating basic offerings like Wadjet and painted false doors to assist in the afterlife, as well as lists of food offerings. They frequently featured Scarab images symbolizing rebirth. Wooden coffins included masks that represented the strength of the mummy’s spirit and offered protection from evil spirits. Artisans carved the exteriors of both sarcophagi and coffins to resemble the face and body of the mummy.
In conclusion, ancient Egyptian sarcophagi serve as remarkable testaments to the civilization’s beliefs about death and the afterlife. Artisans crafted these coffins with meticulous attention to detail, adorning them with intricate decorations.
They not only protected the mummies within but also reflected the social status and accomplishments of the deceased. The incorporation of names, offerings, and symbolic imagery demonstrates the Egyptians’ deep reverence for the afterlife. It also shows their desire for continued existence beyond death. As we study these artifacts, we gain valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Egypt. This highlights their enduring legacy and the profound significance they placed on immortality.
