Author(s)

Edward Jiang ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Buckingham Browne & Nichols Upper School, 12th Grader, Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Corresponding Author

Edward Jiang

ABSTRACT

The Late Period in Ancient Egypt, between 760 and 660 B.C., was a time of great cultural and artistic change amidst turbulence that had set in after the Third Intermediate Period. The paper discusses the funerary art of the Inner Coffin of Nesmutaatneru, an artifact representative of this era, highlighting the interrelationship of religious belief, artistic innovation, and social status. It argues that the funerary objects, such as the coffin of Nesmutaatneru, were not merely ornamental but served as profound narrative tools that immortalized the identity and achievements of the deceased. The research investigates the craftsmanship and symbolism in Nesmutaatneru's coffin, emphasizing how it encapsulated religious iconography, mythological narratives, and creative techniques. From the vulture headdress to intricate hieroglyphic texts and divine depictions, in every respect, it reflects the importance of the culture to guarantee transit to the afterlife. Moreover, mummification processes, rich coffin designs, and burial goods underlined how material culture personified the belief of Egyptians in the afterlife. By contextualizing Nesmutaatneru's coffin within the broader context of Egyptian late-period funerary practices, this paper will demonstrate how artistic and religious traditions intertwined in the attempt to preserve legacies and affirm cultural values.

KEYWORDS

Funerary art, Ancient Egyptian burial practices, Inner Coffin of Nesmutaatneru, Afterlife symbolism, Religious traditions, Artistic expression, Mummification rituals, Mythological deities, Book of the Dead, Cultural Legacy

CITE THIS PAPER

Edward Jiang, The Inner Coffin of Nesmutaatneru: Immortal Intersections of Art and Afterlife in Egyptian Funerary Practices. Journal of Sociology and Ethnology (2025) Vol. 7: 24-32. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/jsoce.2025.070104.

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