DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4671#0033
THE FUNERAL OF AN EGYPTIAN. 1/
painted much in the same way, and was ready
for burial.
The scenes painted upon Egyptian papyri and
tombs illustrate with great detail the funeral proces-
sion, a brief description of which is as follows :—The
coffin containing the mummy was placed in a boat
built on a sledge, and, escorted by priests, mourners,
wailing women, and attendants carrying funereal
furniture, offerings, etc., was drawn to the river
bank by oxen. Here the procession embarked, and
in a short time arrived at the western bank, in the
mountains of which the Egyptians usually built their
cemeteries. Then the procession was re-formed and
began to make its way to the mountains opposite
Thebes. The mummy upon its bier was drawn along
by oxen guided by drivers, and in front of it walked
the sem priest wearing his characteristic dress the
panther's skin, burning incense and pouring out liba-
tions as he went. Behind followed other priestly
officials, and near them came attendants bearing a
couch, a chair, vases of unguents, flowers, offerings of
meat and drink, sepulchral boxes, and other objects,
the number and variety of which depended upon the
wealth and position of the deceased. In the company
was a band of women who uttered cries of grief, and
struck their faces and breasts with their hands.
painted much in the same way, and was ready
for burial.
The scenes painted upon Egyptian papyri and
tombs illustrate with great detail the funeral proces-
sion, a brief description of which is as follows :—The
coffin containing the mummy was placed in a boat
built on a sledge, and, escorted by priests, mourners,
wailing women, and attendants carrying funereal
furniture, offerings, etc., was drawn to the river
bank by oxen. Here the procession embarked, and
in a short time arrived at the western bank, in the
mountains of which the Egyptians usually built their
cemeteries. Then the procession was re-formed and
began to make its way to the mountains opposite
Thebes. The mummy upon its bier was drawn along
by oxen guided by drivers, and in front of it walked
the sem priest wearing his characteristic dress the
panther's skin, burning incense and pouring out liba-
tions as he went. Behind followed other priestly
officials, and near them came attendants bearing a
couch, a chair, vases of unguents, flowers, offerings of
meat and drink, sepulchral boxes, and other objects,
the number and variety of which depended upon the
wealth and position of the deceased. In the company
was a band of women who uttered cries of grief, and
struck their faces and breasts with their hands.