The mummy-case alone was an actual monument, in the construction of which a whole squad of workmen was employed (fig.

261).

The styles of mummy-cases varied from period to period.

Under the Memphite and first Theban empires, we find only rectangular chests in sycamore wood, flat at top and bottom, and made of many pieces joined together by wooden pins.

The pattern is not elegant, but the decoration is very curious.