These anthropoid sarcophagi reflect the convergence of Egyptian and Canaanite burial practices. They originate from the cemetery of Deir el-Balah, located 8 miles south of Gaza City. Dating from the 14th and 13th centuries BCE, the coffins were crafted by building up coils of clay that were then shaped. The lids would be cut out and decorated with facial features, including hair, a beard, and arms, that often evoked Egyptian funerary styles. Several of the coffins were found to hold multiple individuals. The coffins were buried in groups of three or more and typically included rich assemblages of grave goods. […]
