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The hieroglyphic inscriptions identify the deceased as Shep-en-hor who died around 600 BC. The Egyptians believed that the soul of the deceased journeyed to the Underworld where life continued as before under the gaze of the god Osiris. At the same time it was felt that the body should be preserved. This was achieved by mummification.

After the brain and intestines had been removed, the body was dehydrated. The cavities were then filled with linen rags and resins, to retain the body shape. The whole process took about 70 days. Finally the body was wrapped in many layers of bandages, and placed in a wooden coffin or a stone sarcophagus.

The curator asked members of staff in the Hunterian Museum to nominate their favourite object for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's "A History of the World" website. This object was picked by Fiona Sinclair, a member of the Front of House team. Fiona says "I picked this object because I am interested in the Egyptians. The hieroglyphs on the coffin of Lady Shep en Hor are fascinating to look at and their meanings are so interesting".