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Middle Eastern ➔ Facial Reconstruction of Nakhte-Bastet-Iru
Identifier:
35956Description:
A scientifically accurate replica head of Nakte-Bastet-Iru. The face was reconstructed on an epoxy resin skull by Jennifer Fillion. The plastic head, on which the face was constructed, was created by Diane France of France Casting Co. of Fort Collins, CO. Nakhte-Bastet-Iru's mummified remains have gone through extensive research, and MRIs were done to build this facial reconstruction.The original Egyptian mummified remains are of Nakhte-Bastet-Iru and date to the Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, ca. 946-712 BCE based on stylistic grounds. The mummified remains and funerary assemblages date probably toward the middle of that range. She was purchased by Mr. Edward Lowe in 1909 from a dealer in Cairo, Egypt.
Nakhte-Bastet-Iru was the daughter of an important priest in the great temple of Amon at Karnak, Djed-Khonsu-Iuf-Ankh. Her father was the Steward of the Sacred Boat and Opener of the Doors of Heaven. She belonged to a wealthy and important family, based on her own title which implies ownership of property, her father's titles, the high quality of her coffin and cartonnage, and the care with which she was mummified.
The coffin bears an idealized representation of the deceased and is also inscribed with her name, her father's name and titles, and a standard funerary offering formula so that her ka will never go hungry in the Afterlife.
The cartonnage provided extra layers of both physical and magical protection, including representation of protective gods and goddesses and powerful amuletic symbols such as the wedjat eye and the djed pillar.
The coffin and cartonnage set represent a very well-executed example of elite Egyptian funerary practice during the Third Intermediate Period. Though neither Nakhte-Bastet-Iru nor her father are previously documented individuals, it's clear they belonged to an extremely powerful and wealthy priestly family of the Theban district.
Together the mummified remains and associated artifacts provide a powerful means to discuss not only ancient Egyptian funerary ideology and practice, but also issues related to the collection, preservation, and modern perception of such objects.
