Egyptian - Fragment, Ritualist with Incense Burner - Walters 22216

A mortuary priest, traditionally clothed in animal skin and long shendyt, performs the "Opening of the Mouth" ritual, an essential part of the funeral ceremony in which the mummy is restored to life. Behind the priest is a table with special tools for the rites. He makes an offering and burns incense before the upright mummy (missing). This finely sculpted fragment comes from the tomb of the vizier Nes-pa-ka-shuty, a government official whose power was second only to that of the king. It demonstrates the elegant style of the 26th Dynasty.