Model of a procession of male offering bearers
Model of a funerary boat
detail of Front side panel of outer coffin
of Djehutynakht
Inner and outer coffins of Governor Djehutynakht in situ
(viewed from the burial shaft), Tomb 10A –– May 3,1915
Secrets of an Egyptian Tomb at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts
They survived two fires, the onslaught of robbers, and the effects of four thousand years underground. Now, these masterworks from an Egyptian tomb of the Middle Kingdom (2040–1640 BC) are on view together for the first time in a special exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), beginning October 18, 2009, through May 16, 2010
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The Secrets of Tomb 10A brings ancient Egypt to life for visitors of all ages. Installed in the first gallery are large archival photographs of the expedition that unearthed the secrets of Tomb 10A, which capture the thrill of the original discovery. Complementing the wall text and labels throughout are two audio guides—one for children, which explains the layout of the exhibition and the Egyptians’ belief in the afterlife, and another for adults, which describes in greater detail the significance of the finds made in 1915. The exhibition examines mysteries surrounding the Djehutynakhts: their lifestyle, the fate of their possessions after they were buried, and whether the mummified head belongs to Djehutynakht or his wife. It also offers an engaging introduction to evolving funerary practices in Egypt from the 11th through 13th dynasties and provides insights into daily life of the high officials of the time.
“This exploration of ancient Egypt provides a window into one of the most fascinating civilizations in history,” said Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA. “The artistic and historical treasures found in Tomb 10A bring to life the world of 2000 BC—a time of glorious artistic achievements. By revealing what the Djehutynakhts considered most important for their journey to the afterlife, the exhibition offers a better understanding of the Middle Kingdom, the least known of Egypt’s major eras.”
Featured are more than 250 objects, many of which have never before been on view. These include four beautifully painted coffins, cult objects, vessels for food and drink, furniture, jewelry, walking sticks, and sealed beer jars (one of which will be opened and examined during the run of the exhibition). The exhibition also showcases the largest known collection of wooden models from the Middle Kingdom representing, in miniature form, a range of activities and items that would have been found on the couple’s estate.
Objects in the gallery highlight the historical significance of the Middle Kingdom, a period when the relationship between the pharaoh and his provincial governors characterized the politics of the day. Other key themes of the exhibition include an exploration of the nature and meaning of the grave goods discovered in the Djehutynakhts’ tomb, the evolving interest in the Deir el-Bersha tombs over the course of almost two centuries, and a comparative look at other funerary practices of Dynasties 12 and 13 (1991–1642 BC). Also on view is a section devoted to the expedition that unearthed the treasures of Tomb 10A and more recent discoveries made at Deir el-Bersha.
Famous “Bersha Coffin”
The beautifully crafted cedar outer coffin of Governor Djehutynakht, an unparalleled masterpiece of Middle Kingdom painting resplendent with accomplished brushwork and brilliant colors, figures prominently in The Secrets of Tomb 10A. Measuring 8 feet by 4 feet (and 4 feet deep), it is disassembled in the exhibition to show the exquisite painting on the inside of its panels, so placed for the governor’s exclusive viewing. Rich in detail and symbolism, many of the painted images depict food, drink, clothing, weapons, and other provisions for the afterlife. There are many items of religious significance, including an intricately decorated false door through which Djehutynakht’s ka, or life force, could easily pass between the worlds of the living and the dead. The governor can be seen sitting in front of this door, inhaling incense offered by his son and surrounded by other objects useful for his new existence. Many of the goods found in the tomb replicate those depicted on the coffin. Above the depiction of Djehutynakht and his funerary goods are two rows of large, painted hieroglyphs consisting of a funerary prayer requesting offerings from the king and the god Osiris. Incised cursive hieroglyphs record the Coffin Texts, a collection of funerary rituals and spells that are laid out in vertical columns. Nearly 200 individual spells are included so that they may protect and guide Governor Djehutynakht in his journey to the afterlife. In its entirety, the coffin’s design, decoration, incised texts and prayers for the dead, as well as map through the underworld, work together to facilitate their occupant’s passage to the afterlife and sustain the ka for eternity.
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