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Fragments from a Book of the Dead

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

MEDIUM Papyrus, ink
  • Reportedly From: Thebes, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY early to mid Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS Glass: 12 3/16 x 13 1/2 in. (31 x 34.3 cm) Largest Fragment: 3 13/16 x 10 3/8 in. (9.7 x 26.3 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1787E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Fragments of a tan papyrus inscribed with part of the Book of the Dead. The papyrus belonged to a scribe named Senmose. Book of the Dead spells represented are 99B, 133, and 149. There are no vignettes. On the obverse are the remains of 5 columns of text written in red ink, 1 column written in both red and black ink, and 11 columns written in black ink. On the reverse are the partial remains of 3 large horizontal lines of hieroglyphic text. Condition: Text incomplete.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Fragments from a Book of the Dead, ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E. Papyrus, ink, Glass: 12 3/16 x 13 1/2 in. (31 x 34.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1787E (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.1787E_front_IMLS_PS5.jpg)
    IMAGE front, CUR.37.1787E_front_IMLS_PS5.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2010
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