The ancient coffin of the pharaonic priest Bsamatik has arrived in Dubai to join the exhibition in the Egyptian pavilion at "Expo Dubai 2020," following all necessary procedures for its wrapping, transportation, and shipping. The coffin, found in the Saqqara archaeological area, is made of human-shaped colored wood and is adorned with a large flower necklace that ends with two falcon heads, beneath which are pharaonic inscriptions bearing offering texts.
This coffin is one of the recently discovered colored wooden coffins in the Saqqara archaeological site in Egypt, through the archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, according to statements made by Suha Bahgat, spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Archaeological replicas
Also arriving to participate in the Egyptian pavilion at "Expo Dubai 2020" are a collection of archaeological replicas related to King Tutankhamun to promote Egyptian civilization. This collection includes the golden mask, the king's coffin, the statue of Ka, the king's ceremonial chair, and the king's golden throne.
The concept of coffins in ancient Egyptian civilization holds great religious and symbolic significance, as they are vital to the burial process, serving as the final resting place for the deceased and being prepared for the account in the afterlife, according to pharaonic beliefs.
Distinctive Participation
The transfer of these archaeological pieces is part of the keen effort by all Egyptian state agencies to provide all necessary resources to ensure the success of Egypt's participation in "Expo Dubai 2020" and to present the Egyptian pavilion in a manner befitting Egypt's status as one of the world's foremost tourist and archaeological destinations.
According to the Egyptian official, through the display of the coffin at "Expo Dubai 2020," Egypt aims to promote tourism and "highlight our cultural uniqueness and our profound historical civilization, especially with the presence of exhibitors from all around the world, attracting vast numbers of visitors."
She added: "We expect that the presentation of the coffin of priest Bsamatik in Dubai will draw global attention to modern Egyptian discoveries and encourage them to visit Egypt to enjoy our tourist and archaeological sites and to learn more about ancient Egyptian civilization."
Regarding the steps taken to transport the coffin from Cairo to Dubai, she explained that "the transportation procedures were carried out by experts and specialists from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as there was great care to complete the process safely and securely through the highest level of professionalism and after obtaining the necessary approvals from the government."
