The coffin of Padiashaiket

From Thebes (near modern Luxor)
Length 1.76m Date 720-702 BC (Egyptian 25th Dynasty)
Inv. R28: original collection of Sir Charles Nicholson.

Padiashaikhet lived in the Theban area in the second half of the 8th century BC. His coffin has been dated more specifically to ca 720-702 BC, based on the style of decoration and method of manufacture. The quality and personalised nature of the coffin's decoration indicates that he was a person of high status whose family was able to afford the best quality funerary equipment. Made of sycamore wood, the coffin is coated with a layer of painted gesso (plaster mixed with an organic substance). The lid bears images of different gods and prayers to various body parts, while a rare section from the Book of the Dead is written on the trough. The colours are the original pigments and the foot has been restored. The beard is also missing.

Padiashaiket, whose name means 'one given by Ashaiket', held the title 'beloved of the god' which is probably a priestly rank. However little is known about Padiashaiket himself or his title, which was also held by his father, named Horsiese. Padiashaikhet's mummy is also in the Nicholson Museum collection, but is not inside this coffin.