Sarcophagus of Merenptah: the lid
The picture shows the red granite lid belonging to one of the Four Sarcophagi of Merenptah. In this case it is the second inner sarcophagus. The lid is in the form of a cartouche inside which Merenptah is enclosed. The king is represented mummiform with his arms crossed over his chest while holding the insignia of power, the scourge and the crosier. He wears the royal headdress, nemes, with uraeus on his forehead, and a false beard. The king and the cartouche are surrounded by a long, large serpent in a protective role, Mehen.
