mummy labels, tablets, mostly made of wood, on which are stated the names of the deceased, his parents, and his grandfather, and information about age, date of death, and the place to which he belonged (sometimes also his occupation). The majority are in Demotic and Greek (Coptic tablets are also known). The mummy labels were hung round the deceased's neck by a cord after mummification and the wrapping of the mummy in bandages, for identification and transport to the place of burial.
Mummy Labels
By Martin Krause
Ask about this article- Topics
- Archaeological Sites and ExcavationsAncient Egyptian Survivals in Coptic CultureEthics and Spiritual Life
- Author
- Martin Krause
- Printed pages
- 1698a–1698b
- Original
- Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia
Bibliography
Krebs, F. "Mumienetiketten aus Ägypten." Zeitschrift für ägyptische Sprache und Altertumskunde 32 (1894):36-51. Quaegebeur, J. "Mummy Labels: An Orientation." In Textes grecs, démotiques et bilingues, ed. E. Boswinkel and P. W. Pestman. Papyrologica Lugduno-Batava 19, pp. 232-59. Leiden, 1978. Cites older literature. MARTIN KRAUSE