HB2 - Circa 1800 Archeologist's Box - Egypt Excavation
Starting in the mid-18th century and into the 19th century, with the rise of nationalism across the globe, museums began springing up bringing collections and interests of the past to a shared community. It was a time of revolution and enlightenment. Nations were seeking noted names in the field of science, including historians and archeologists. They were hired to explore and excavate sites of ancient civilizations in other lands. Sponsoring these sites, museums would fill their walls with wonders and awe and show the reach of a nation's peregrinations, power and reach.
Alexandre Lenoir (27 December 1761 – 11 June 1839)
French archaeologist, artist and curator
see "Painting by Alexandre Lenoir" at:
HB1 - Napoléon Bonaparte Death Mask Casket Box
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Alexandre Lenoir, conferred by Napoleon I as part of his exposition to Egypt in 1797/98, would have had a box similar to this one.
Mummy Mask #1
The Box and External Artifacts
Ushabti
Basalt
Mummy Mask #2
Necho I
The box is made from mahogany wood and is designed to hold a lot of different items. Underneath the lid is a wooden slotted area to hold papers, small books and note pads, etc. The main storage area has many trays, lidded nooks, hidden areas and more. The perfect box to keep small items organized. Easily transported and at one time had a lock mechanism for security, which has been removed in antiquity.
The items above consist of two mummy masks and a carved basalt stone Ushabti. The mummy masks retain only a small amount of the white gesso wash over which the mask would have been painted. The masks likely come from the
New Kingdom to Late Period, 1539 to 332 BCE.
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The center object above is a larger than usual, Ushabti funerary figure carved from black basalt stone. The details are very fine with hieroglyphics surrounding the lower half wrap. These funerary figurines were servant figures that carried out the tasks required of the deceased in the underworld. It was necessary for the owner's name to be inscribed on an Ushabti, along with a phrase sending them to action. This exquisite ushabti, from the 26th Dynasty (ca. 664 - 525 BCE) of the late Period, is dated by the Royal Cartouche hieroglyph that is just above the feet. This Ushabti is from the Pharaoh Necho I whose reign was 672–664 BCE.
The Artifacts Stowed in the Box
The box, dating to the late 18 century, is designed for both organizing and protecting fragile objects. Each artifact would be wrapped in layers of cloth and stored in one of many different sized compartments to keep the artifact safe from moving around and breaking. The pictures below show the Egyptian artifacts without packing in their appropriate compartments. There was enough room for other items that an archaeologist would need, such as writing implements, magnifying glass, measuring instrument, eyeglasses and more.
As stated above, the box once had a lock mechanism that has been removed. A lock was surely warranted for the precious objects, but the box had one more secure place. A hidden compartment is located under a false bottom beneath the small tray in the back of the box. Look for the monkey, in the pictures below, who will show you the hidden compartment.
Continue looking at detailed pictures of the artifacts in the Archaeologist's box by going to page 2.
Click Below.
