A Corn-Mummy from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

The coffin JE 36546, that is currently displayed at the EgyptianMuseum in Cairo under number SR 4/6023, is the subject matter of this paper. It was found at Tehne in the province of the Menia in 1903 by Lefebvre with other pieces of the same type in pit-tombs. The coffin is falcon-headed and in connection with the god it represents, Sokar-Osiris. The coffin contains a pseudo-mummy of Osiris made of a mixture of grains, earth, and straw enfolded in linen wrappings that had been soaked in resin. The head of the mummy was elongated to take the shape of the atef-crown. A mask of greenish black wax attached to an atef-crown with horns was used to cover the head of the mummy thus representing the god Osiris. Miniature mummies of the four sons of Horus are found within the coffin. The corn mummies are connected to Osiris and his resurrection. The use of grain, and its mixture with earth, are therefore essential to serve this symbolism. The aim of this paper is to publish for the First time piece and discuss the religious idea related to it.