Mummy layer

In the Greco-Roman period in Egypt, it was customary to encase the entire body of the deceased. Cartonnage was used for this purpose, which was made from several plastered layers of fibre or papyrus moulded to the body of the deceased. Openwork cartonnage was used to cover the legs. Three illustrative bands are visible above the ladder-like structure of the cartonnage. In the upper band, the sisters Isis (left) and Nephthys mourn in front of Osiris. Below them are twelve mummiform protective deities. In the final section, five holy cows are lying on shrines. They refer to a saying in the Egyptian Book of the Dead and guarantee the deceased his basic nourishment, bread and beer.