All underlined positions are linked
Isetemkhebjt B
I believe that Isetemkhebjt B was a daughter of the High Priest of Amun, Masaharta, son of
Pinodjem I by Isetemkhebjt A. Some egyptologists disagree with this and believe that this person
did not exist.
If my theory is correct, Isetemkhebjt B was the titular head of the Harem of Min, Horus and Isis in
Achmim (Panopolis) and held this position as a benefice. The leather funerary tent, remains of which
are pictured below, was found in 1881 in the Royal Cachette (TT320) in Deir el-Bahri by Emil Brugsch
who subjected it to intense mistreatment. The top of the tent shows vultures with outstretched
wings and Masaharta's name with the suffix "maa-heru" indicating that he was dead at the time the
tent was made. A side panel shows hieroglyphs with the names and titles of King Pinodjem I and of
Isetemkhebjt, calling her the daughter of the High Priest of Amun, but not specifying which High
Priest. This, of course, allows and has caused considerable speculation.
Aside from the tent, no traces of this lady have been found. As the tent was found in TT320 and one
of Pinodjem II's wives was Isetemkhebjt "D", the tent is generally attributed to her. It has been
widely published that the top of the tent was made for Masaharta and the sides were later added for
Isetemkhebjt "D" who is generally thought to have been buried in TT320, where her coffin and intact
mummy, as well as funerary offerings, were found. There are several reasons why I do not accept
this hypothesis. The low-ranking title on the tent would certainly not have been used by, or for,
Isetemkhebjt "D", Superior of the Harem of Amun in Thebes. However, until the tent is scientifically
examined, it is impossible to prove the matter either way. It is my intent to examine the tent and
make detailed digital photographs of the relevant data as soon as permission is obtained from the
National Museum in Cairo. This text can only be completed when the results of the examination are
known.
Edward R. Loring, CESRAS, 18.10.2005
Pinodjem I by Isetemkhebjt A. Some egyptologists disagree with this and believe that this person
did not exist.
If my theory is correct, Isetemkhebjt B was the titular head of the Harem of Min, Horus and Isis in
Achmim (Panopolis) and held this position as a benefice. The leather funerary tent, remains of which
are pictured below, was found in 1881 in the Royal Cachette (TT320) in Deir el-Bahri by Emil Brugsch
who subjected it to intense mistreatment. The top of the tent shows vultures with outstretched
wings and Masaharta's name with the suffix "maa-heru" indicating that he was dead at the time the
tent was made. A side panel shows hieroglyphs with the names and titles of King Pinodjem I and of
Isetemkhebjt, calling her the daughter of the High Priest of Amun, but not specifying which High
Priest. This, of course, allows and has caused considerable speculation.
Aside from the tent, no traces of this lady have been found. As the tent was found in TT320 and one
of Pinodjem II's wives was Isetemkhebjt "D", the tent is generally attributed to her. It has been
widely published that the top of the tent was made for Masaharta and the sides were later added for
Isetemkhebjt "D" who is generally thought to have been buried in TT320, where her coffin and intact
mummy, as well as funerary offerings, were found. There are several reasons why I do not accept
this hypothesis. The low-ranking title on the tent would certainly not have been used by, or for,
Isetemkhebjt "D", Superior of the Harem of Amun in Thebes. However, until the tent is scientifically
examined, it is impossible to prove the matter either way. It is my intent to examine the tent and
make detailed digital photographs of the relevant data as soon as permission is obtained from the
National Museum in Cairo. This text can only be completed when the results of the examination are
known.
Edward R. Loring, CESRAS, 18.10.2005
The falcons of Masaharta appear to the left of the area with rosettes. The gazelles
are at far left and the hieroglyphs referring to King Pinodjem are at the right.
Please note that this does not show a correct reconstruction. It appears that
Brugsch placed parts of the tent in this order so as to have all the major design
elements on one photo.
are at far left and the hieroglyphs referring to King Pinodjem are at the right.
Please note that this does not show a correct reconstruction. It appears that
Brugsch placed parts of the tent in this order so as to have all the major design
elements on one photo.
Names and title of King Pinodjem I on the side of the tent: Cha-cheper-Re, Pa-nedjem merj-Jmen
At right is a contour analysis of pigment saturation.
At right is a contour analysis of pigment saturation.
Frieze showing antithetic
gazelles on the side of the tent.
gazelles on the side of the tent.
A section of the top of the tent, showing splitting of the leather
due to rapid drying after having been unrolled by Brugsch.
Notice that the leather curls into the splits. This is because the
inner side of poorly tanned leather dries and contracts faster
than the outer side. Brugsch wrote that he found the tent
rolled up and that the leather was supple. This is convincing
evidence that the splitting occurred only after he unrolled the
tent.
due to rapid drying after having been unrolled by Brugsch.
Notice that the leather curls into the splits. This is because the
inner side of poorly tanned leather dries and contracts faster
than the outer side. Brugsch wrote that he found the tent
rolled up and that the leather was supple. This is convincing
evidence that the splitting occurred only after he unrolled the
tent.
NOTE: Due to the poor resolution
of Brugsch's photo (grain) it has
been difficult to get much out of it.
We hope to have better images
soon.
EL 30.10.05
of Brugsch's photo (grain) it has
been difficult to get much out of it.
We hope to have better images
soon.
EL 30.10.05
| Tent of Isetemkhebjt from TT320 19th century Photo by Emil Brugsch |
Isetemkhebjt B
Daughter of the High Priest of Amun Masaharta
21a Dynasty, Thebes