CHAP. XVI. POSITION OF THE SCAIlABiEI. 477 



remarks to their general character, and to the most 

 common representations figured upon them. 



In the first quahty of mummies, the innermost 

 covering of the body, after it had been swathed in 

 the necessary quantity of bandages, was the carton- 

 age. This was a pasteboard case fitting exactly to 

 its shape; the precise measure having been carefully 

 taken, so that it might correspond to the body it 

 was intended to cover, and to which it was j)ro- 

 bably adjusted by proper manipulation while still 

 damp. It was then taken off again, and made to 

 retain that shape till dry, when it was again ap- 

 plied to the bandaged body, and sewed up at the 

 back. After this it was painted and ornamented 

 with figures and numerous subjects : the face was 

 made to imitate that of the deceased, and fre- 

 quently gilded ; the eyes were inlaid ; and the hair 

 of females was made to represent the natural plaits, 

 as worn by Egyptian women. 



The subjects painted upon the cartonage were 

 the four Genii of Amenti, and various emblems 

 belonging to Deities connected with the dead. On 

 the breast was placed the figure of Netpe, with 

 expanded wings, protecting the deceased ; sacred 

 arks, boats, and other things were arranged in dif- 

 ferent compartments; and Osiris* Isis, Nepthys, 

 Anubis, Sokari, and other Deities, were frequently 

 introduced. In some instances, Isis was represented 



* Osiris is sometimes introduced under tlie form of a vase or a pe- 

 culiar emblem surmounted by two long feathers, and bound with a fillet. 

 It is raised on a shaft, and over it are the names and titles of the God. 

 Sokari was another form and character of Osiris. Vide Vol. I, (2d Series) 

 p. 255. and 3+2. 



