TAA i.2.3.31

{23^rd October, continued}

manifestly anthropoid in form, but the main details of
which are hidden by a close fitting reddish coloured linen
shroud, apparently well preserved. The gold mask of the face in
this case was bare, the features being even more juvenile than
heretofore. Over the breast of the coffin, <and> attached to the shoulders, <headdress>
is/<was> an elaborate bead and floral collarette <upon papyrus>, several inches in depth.

The  Both operations were carried out by 12.45pm., in
the presence of Tewfik Eff. Boulos, Chief Inspector of Antiquities
for Upper Egypt, Mohamed Effendi Shaban, and Girgis Effendi
Elias, Inspector of Luxor and Keneh. Messrs. Lucas and Burton, 
together with the Egyptian Reises and men assisted.

24^th

The first part of this morning was occupied by Burton
making photographic records of the Third coffin, as it lies in
the shell of the Second Coffin, covered with several thicknesses of a
reddish linen sheet cloth or shroud and a wide bead and
floral collarette (sewn upon papyrus) over the neck and b[r]east.

It was not until these photographic records were made,
was I able to remove the linen covering and inspect for the
first time the Coffin itself. The removal of the coverings was a
simple operation as compared to the others we have had
to face, but it disclosed an astonishing fact - namely
that the/<is> coffin Third Coffin is made of solid gold. This
accounts for the great weight which has been a source
of surprise since the nest of coffins was first lifted out
from the Sarcophagus, and which diminished so little
even when we had removed the outer Coffin and the