Imagine commissioning a masterpiece for your eternal resting place, only to end up with something that looks like it was painted by a distracted middle schooler.
That’s exactly what happened to one Egyptian noblewoman over 2,500 years ago, and her bizarre coffin is now giving archaeologists a fascinating glimpse into a chaotic period in Egypt’s history.
The coffin, presented last month at the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities Scholars’ Colloquium in Canada, features a funerary scene so poorly executed that it’s been described as “goofy” and “odd” by experts.
The artwork includes a winged snake wearing the crown of Hathor, a funerary bed adorned with the head of the god Ba (drawn in a way that’s anything but divine), and falcons that look more like fish.
So, what went wrong?
The answer lies in a little-known chapter of Egyptian history: the Persian conquest of Egypt in 525 BC. When King Cambyses of Persia invaded, he didn’t just take Egypt’s gold and treasures—he also deported its best artists, leaving behind a generation of amateurs to carry on the tradition of funerary art.
Bad Art Isn’t Just Funny—It’s a Window into History
At first glance, this coffin might seem like a humorous example of ancient “fail art.”
But here’s the twist: it’s not just bad—it’s historically significant.
This coffin is a tangible reminder of how political upheaval can disrupt even the most sacred traditions.
When the Persians conquered Egypt, they didn’t just plunder its wealth—they stripped it of its cultural capital.
Skilled artists were taken as prisoners of war and forced to work on projects in Persia, leaving Egypt with a dearth of trained craftsmen.
As Egyptologist Gayle Gibson explains, “Many of the best artists in Egypt were taken by the Persians back to Persepolis and Susa as POWs and war booty.
There seems to have been a dearth of masters for some time, so that fewer and fewer artists got proper training.”
This coffin, then, isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a symbol of a society in transition, struggling to maintain its identity in the face of foreign domination.
What Makes This Coffin So Odd?
The coffin’s artwork is a far cry from the precision and elegance typically associated with ancient Egyptian funerary art. Here are some of the most glaring oddities:
- The Ba’s Head: The god Ba, often depicted as a bird with a human head, is shown here on a funerary bed—a detail Gibson calls “unique.” The head is crudely drawn, lacking the finesse of earlier depictions.
- The Winged Snake: A winged snake wearing the crown of Hathor is a bizarre addition to the scene. Snakes in Egyptian art usually symbolize protection, but this one looks more like a doodle than a deity.
- The Fish-Like Falcons: The collar of the coffin features two creatures that are supposed to be falcons, a symbol of the god Horus. Instead, they look like something you’d see in a child’s drawing of the ocean.
- The Mehen Snake: This protective deity is drawn so poorly that it stops and starts in the middle of the scene, as if the artist forgot what they were doing.
Persia’s Impact on Egypt
The coffin dates back to a time when Egypt was under Persian rule, a period marked by significant cultural and economic disruption.
King Cambyses’ invasion in 525 BC was a turning point for Egypt, as the Persians sought to consolidate their power by stripping the region of its resources—including its artists.
Ancient documents describe the mass deportation of Egyptian craftsmen to Persia, where they were forced to work on projects like the palaces at Persepolis and Susa.
This brain drain left Egypt with a shortage of skilled artisans, leading to a decline in the quality of its art and architecture.
What Does This Mean for Archaeology?
While the coffin’s poor craftsmanship might make it seem less valuable, it’s actually a treasure trove of information for archaeologists.
It provides a rare glimpse into the social and cultural upheaval caused by foreign conquest, showing how even the most sacred traditions can be disrupted by political change.
As Gibson notes, “This coffin is a reminder that art isn’t just about beauty—it’s about context. It tells us who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’ve lost.”
Art in Times of Crisis
The story of this coffin isn’t just about ancient Egypt—it’s about the resilience of culture in the face of adversity.
Throughout history, societies have struggled to preserve their traditions during times of crisis, often producing art that reflects their struggles.
From the cave paintings of Lascaux to the graffiti of modern war zones, art has always been a way for people to make sense of their world, even when that world is falling apart.
A Coffin That Tells a Story
The “amateur hour” coffin might not be a masterpiece, but it’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and conquest.
It shows us how even the most skilled societies can be brought to their knees, and how art can serve as a record of both triumph and tragedy.
As we study this coffin, we’re not just looking at a piece of history—we’re looking at a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of culture.
Sources: LiveScience, University of Chicago Magazine
