ABSTRACT
During pharaonic times in Egypt, mummification, as well as funerary scenes decorated on coffins, served to protect the deceased during the perilous journey through the underworld on the way toward obtaining eternal life. Intensive internal museum discussions ensued. Not only were the mummy and coffin outside the museum’s mission, but the display of human remains is now a significant concern for the community. Displaying the mummy and coffin as one object, while visually dramatic, creates the impression that they belong to the same artistic and ritual traditions. The coffin is a funerary device but also a work of art. The stabilization of environmental conditions is particularly important for the coffin, given its sycamore wood construction and gesso and paint overlay. In order to adequately view the funerary texts and ritual scenes painted on the coffin, interior case lighting was essential.
