TAA i.3.23.1

                                      (I)

             The Four Sepulchral Shrines (1)

<Notes   (1)

For the shrines in situ

See photos, Negs: 603,

625, 627, 628, 632, 638,

640, and 644.

–
For process of dismantling

Do., see photos, Negs: 605,

608, 629, 634, 635, 641.

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The quartzite Sarcophagus containing the king’s coffins

was completely shielded by a series of four sepulchral shrines,

nested one within the other, and between the third and fourth

outermost shrines a linen pall was spread over a large 

wooden support.

          The lay-out of these shrines and pall for the burial of a

Pharaoh is revealed in an ancient Egyptian papyrus – 

A Project for the Tomb of Ramesses IV – now in the Turin Museum. (2)

<(2) 
See J.E.A., VOL. IV.,

130ft., pl. XXIX.

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their arrangement in this tomb is shown in the plan of the

Sarcophagus Chamber (pl. …).

          The four shrines are made of cedar, oak and Christ’s thorn

wood. (3). The planking employed varies from 9 to 25 cents. wide,

<(3)

See M^R L.A. Boodles

Report … 

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and from 3 to 12 cents. in thickness; the panel boards from 20

to 25 cent. in width and from 5.5 to 7.5 cents. thick; in accordance

with the size of the shrines.

          The outer and inner surfaces of these shrines are entirely

coated with gesso, and overlaid with a thin layer of gold laid

on as gold leaf; upon which surfaces religious representations

and texts have been beautifully engraved in both incised

and bas relief. In addition to this decoration, the outermost

shrine has its external panels and doors inlaid with blue

faience (i.e. blue glazed pottery).