Detail of the Lid of the Sarcophagus of Padiinpu in the Brooklyn Museum, August 2007

Lid of the Sarcophagus of Padiinpu
Limestone
Ptolemaic Period, 305-30 BC
From Hardai (Kynopolis)
Accession # 34.1222

Although anthropoid, or mummiform, coffins made of stone instead of wood first appeared during the New Kingdom (circa 1539-1070 BC), they did not become common until the Late Period (circa 664-332 BC). The change from wood to stone reflects a step toward permanent protection in the afterlife.

Padiinpu, the owner of this limestone sarcophagus, served as a scribe attached to the cult of the god Inpu (called Anubis by the Greeks) who was lord of the city of Hardai. He also served as a royal scribe and as a priest in a cult of the goddess Hathor. Padiinpu, who was named for the god Inpu, was the father of the owner of a similar lid displayed on the opposite side of the doorway.

Text from the Brooklyn Museum label.