Sarcophagus of Isetirdiset

Inscribed for Isetirdiset, daughter of Tadiuser, this sarcophagus of fine limestone was discovered in a shaft at Saqqara that contained a total of nine stone coffins and sarcophag, one of which bore an inscription dating to Year 15 of the 30th Dynasty king Nakhthorheb (Nectanebo II). This coffin may come from a later use of the tomb.

Isetirdiset wears a long divine beard (the end of which is broken off at the end), identifying her with Osiris, ruler of the dead. Her tripartite wig, of a type worn by deities, reinforces her status as a transformed and divine being. Her body is shown swathed, with no arms visible and her legs wrapped together; however, her knees are modeled, and both legs can be distinguished.

On her chest is a winged scarab, a symbol of the rising sun. Beneath this are thirteen lines of inscription bearing the text of Spell 26 from the Book of the Dead, returning the heart of the deceased to her and giving her control over her body in the afterlife. Flanking the text are figures of Menankh and Mennefer, personifications of the pyramids of Pepi II and Pepi I, respectively. Below are seven columns inscribed with BD Spell 72, recited on the day of the funeral at the entrance to the tomb or burial chamber, to ensure an eternal supply of offerings. On either side are two of the Four Sons of Horus, deities who protected the body and especially the internal organs during and after the embalming process. At the ankles are two jackals on shrines, representing the gods who will usher Isetirdiset into her life after death.

This object is on loan to the Michael C. Carlos Museum in Atlanta, where it can be seen on display.