This is also the word for 'egg', from which new life emerges (and hence its association with Easter). This pun is strengthened by the word suhet, used for 'inner coffins' or perhaps 'mummy board'. In other words, from the coffin the deceased will be reborn. The Egyptians were (and continue to be) attracted to word play, so it is likely no coincidence that another word, wetet, which would have sounded similar, meant 'to beget'. We do not precisely understand the meaning of wet, though it appears to be derived from the words for 'mummy bandage' and to embalm.

There are several other words for coffins and sarcophagi, but perhaps the most relevant to this discussion are wet and suhet. In their ancient language, the sarcophagus might be called neb ankh (possessor of life). However, this is not really the Egyptian interpretation. The Greek etymology of 'sarcophagus' is 'flesh eater'. In some areas a wooden scaffold was constructed around the body, and this might be considered the precursor to actual coffins.Ī sarcophagus was also usually provided to hold the coffin in the tomb. During Predynastic times, the Egyptians shrouded corpses in mats or furs and enclosed them in pots, baskets or clay coffins. It's purpose from the earliest times was the protection of the body, preserving it from deterioration or mutilation.

One of the most important objects purchased, whether for royalty or other elites, for a tomb was the coffin.

Mummy decorated with gold and jewels