MUMMY CASE Meaning and
Definition
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A mummy case refers to a type of funerary container used in ancient Egypt for housing a mummified corpse. It is an ornate and meticulously crafted wooden or stone sarcophagus, designed primarily to protect and preserve the mummified remains of a deceased individual. The mummy case displays intricate artwork and symbolic imagery, often depicting religious scenes, deities, and hieroglyphic inscriptions relevant to ancient Egyptian beliefs and afterlife rituals.
Typically, a mummy case consists of two main components: the outer coffin and the inner coffin. The outer coffin, also known as the anthropoid coffin owing to its resemblance to the human form, is usually larger and more elaborate. It is often adorned with bright colors, precious materials, and detailed carvings, showcasing the high craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans. The inner coffin, referred to as the mummy board, is a less ornate and smaller coffin that fits within the outer case, providing additional protection to the mummified body.
The mummy case served multiple purposes in ancient Egyptian burial customs. It was believed to safeguard the deceased's physical body from physical harm and decay. It also acted as a vessel for the deceased's spiritual and eternal journey into the afterlife, with the elaborate artwork and religious symbolism serving as a guide and representation of the individual's status and beliefs. The meticulous construction of the mummy case, along with the numerous accompanying funerary rituals, highlights the significance of death and the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture.
Common Misspellings for MUMMY CASE
- nummy case
- kummy case
- jummy case
- mymmy case
- mhmmy case
- mjmmy case
- mimmy case
- m8mmy case
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- munmy case
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Etymology of MUMMY CASE
The word "mummy case" derives from two separate etymological sources.
Firstly, "mummy" comes from the Arabic word "mūmiyā", which means "bitumen" or "a type of embalming wax". This term was used to refer to the preserved bodies found in ancient Egyptian tombs, which were coated in bitumen or wax-like substances during embalming.
Secondly, "case" is an English word that originally comes from the Latin word "capsa", meaning "box" or "container". This term was used to describe the wooden or stone coffins in which mummified bodies were placed for burial.
Therefore, the combination of these two terms resulted in the term "mummy case", referring to the container or coffin in which a mummified body was placed for burial in ancient Egypt.
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