Alyssa Daley

We look at afterlife very differently today in the twenty-first century than Egyptians did back in the eleventh century in the New Kingdom of Egypt. My study focuses on how the Pharaoh’s Sarcophagus from the new period between the sixteenth century BCE and the eleventh century BCE became objects to be viewed in the museum. Many have asked why the style of sarcophagi had changed during this time. My analysis of the artistic development of sarcophagi is conducted through a conception of the different kingdoms that were in power, specifically the Old Kingdom (ca. 2675 - 2130 BCE), the Middle Kingdom (ca. 1980 - 1630 BCE.) and the New Kingdom (ca. 1539 - 1075 BCE.). The memorial boxes were designed with elaborate human shapes and very fine details. As time went on in Egypt, they showcased more knowledge as they became more sophisticated as the sarcophagi changed throughout history. When the Egyptians were burying their powerful dead, the sarcophagi were simple boxes with a few paintings presented on the side to tell their stories. During Egypt’s last and highest era known as the new kingdom the sarcophagus developed into human-shaped boxes, created to resemble the person inside. The highest form of showcasing how powerful and well known the person being dedicated was through their decoration with gold and Lapis Lazuli – the prime example is King Tutankhamun’s Funerary Mask exhibited at the head of the sarcophagus. In contrast, slaves who had nothing to their name were never honored with a sarcophagus. As these memorial boxes became more elaborate and detailed, so did their tombs which became more detailed, decorated with wall paintings and elaborate chambers.