A queen’s pet gazelle was readied for eternity with the same lavish care as a member of Egypt’s royal family. In fine, blue-trimmed bandages and a custom-made wooden coffin, it accompanied its owner to the grave in about 945 B.C.

Mummified Gazelle

A queen’s pet gazelle was readied for eternity with the same lavish care as a member of the royal family. In fine, blue-trimmed bandages and a custom-made wooden coffin, it accompanied its owner to the grave.

This gazelle was probably a pet belonging to Isetemkheb D (ca. 1070-945 BC), and was buried in the royal cache found in (“DB320″). The animal lies in a gazelle-shaped wooden coffin made of several pieces of wood (probably sycamore) doweled together. Both the interior and exterior of the coffin are covered with a layer of white plaster. The exterior plaster is covered with black paint, while the interior remains pure white.

The gazelle is wrapped in several meters of linen bandages, ripped from at least one if not more larger garments. One of the bandages has a border decoration consisting of four lines of blue thread. The interior of the gazelle was filled once again possibly with its viscera, and packed with sandy soil which helped to maintain its shape.

Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, around 945 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. CG 29835

PH๏τo: Richard Barnes

(Source: National Geographic, via didoofcarthage)