An Egyptian Wood Sarcophagus Lid Panel of the Priest Horudja, Son of Iahtefnakht, 26th Dynasty, 664-225 B.C.

finely carved in sunk relief at the top with the deceased kneeling to left in adoration next to a column of inscription naming him as “The Osiris, loving son, Horudja”, the three columns of inscription below containing the beginning of spell 72 from the Book of the Dead and translating “Hail to you, Lords of Rule, who are living for ever, and whose secular period is Eternity. I make my way towards you. Let me be glorified through my attributes; let me prevail through my words of power, and let me be rated according to my merit. Deliver me from the Crocodile of this Land of Rule. Let me have a mouth wherewith I speak, and let my oblations be placed before you; because I know you, and I know your names: and I know the name of that great god to whose nostrils you present delicacies: Tekmu is his name. And whether he maketh his way from the Eastern Horizon of Heaven, or…”  (transl. P. Le Page Renouf and E. Naville, London, 1904, p. 136)

Chakib Slitine, Paris, 1975
Drouot Rive Gauche, Paris, December 5th, 1977, no. 89

Neatly repaired from four sections, otherwise very good and as shown. Note damage to kneeling figure at the top, imperfections in the wood (one with remains of ancient fill), and minor scratches and nicks.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

See the previous lot for another element from the coffin of “the priest (sameref) Horudja, son of Iahtefnakht and born to the lady Khââytiretbinet,” sold at Drouot in Paris on December 5th, 1977.