Abstract
The problem of the iconography of a unique image of a deity drawn on the Middle Kingdom rectangular coffin of Sepi III (Cairo CG 28083; B1C; Deir el-Bersha; CT VI, 386) is discussed in the article. It is possible that the god is the first known image of the syncretic double god Re-Osiris. The deity (with a head unusually for Egyptian iconography unfolded in full face) is shown sitting on a throne with the inscription “millions (of years)”. The image of this god could be a visual display of the eschatological plot described in Spell 1130 of the Coffin Texts (the union of Atum(-Re) and Osiris after destruction of the Universe) at the end in the Book of Two Ways, that is represented on the bottom of Sepi’s coffin.
Highlights
The wooden rectangular outer coffin of Sepi (%pj) III2 (B1C; Cairo CG 28083, J.E. 32969; Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty)[3] (Fig. 1), originating from the necropolis of Hermopolis (Deir el-Bersha), is of particular interest for research since it has an unusually valuable and rich pictorial decoration, including a unique image of a deity, the interpretation of which is the subject of this article.Eikón Imago 10 (2021): 229-239Tarasenko, M
The problem of the iconography of a unique image of a deity drawn on the Middle Kingdom rectangular coffin of Sepi III (Cairo CG 28083; B1C; Deir el-Bersha; CT VI, 386) is discussed in the article
It is placed on the inside at the head end panel and shows a deity wearing an Atf-crown[7], framed by ram horns and snakes, seated on a throne with the signature HHw “millions”, surrounded by five black and four red concentric ovals associated with the image of the Mehen serpent[8] (Fig. 4)
Summary
It is possible to assume that the image with the throne of Re-Osiris on the coffin of Sepi III that has the inscription HH.w “millions (of years)” is a visual display of the eschatological plot described in the Coffin Texts Spell 1130, final in his Book of Two Ways. It is the visual image of c.t wa.t “One Place”[72], where after passing millions of years the meeting of Atum(-Re) and Osiris will take place at the end of the existence of the Universe. They are not related with the cyclical figure of Re-Osiris of the New Kingdom and Third Intermediate Period when the essence and existence of this deity, manifested as a result of the infernal meeting and union of the ba-souls of solar Re and chthonic Osiris[78], were clearly limited by the borders of the Netherworld and the night
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