TAA i.2.2.49

{12 February 1924, continued}

being tucked down between coffin and sarcophagus.

It extended up to just beyond the forehead, at which

point it folded back and stretched as far as the

waist. Starting at this end it was rolled up

towards the head and then downwards.

In this last stage of the rolling it must have

been a thrilling sight to for the spectators, & we

heard them gasp as the head of the coffin was disclosed

to view. They had the best of it, for we who were

manipulating the cloth were unable to get a clear

view until we had completed our task.

The coffin when it had been laid bare was a

perfectly magnificent sight, covered with throughout

with gold & beautifully worked. From the forehead

projected the <heads of the> royal uraeus and vulture, the emblems

of the two kingdoms. Of them the vulture head in

particular was beautifully modelled. It had inlaid

eyes of crystal. A pathetic touch was added

by the fact that encircling & uniting the heads

of the uraeus and vulture there was a tiny

wreath of flowers. The face, beautifully modelled,

and evidently a real portrait, was covered with thick

sheet gold, in contradistinction to the rest of the coffin

which was gilding of the ordinary type. The hands

were crossed upon the chest. In the right was the flail:

in the left the crook sceptre, independent pieces these

of gold & blue faience. At the sides of the coffin,

engraved upon the gold, were the figures of two

protective goddesses, their arms and wings outstretched

above the coffin to encircle the body of the King.

The coffin itself rested upon a low wooden bier,

with lions' heads at the head, very similar to those

on the throne.

It was decided to stop work for the year at

this point, as further cleaning could not be undertaken

without a long and uninterrupted period ahead.