Although mummies themselves are not art, the objects surrounding them are. The coffins the mummies were contained in, statues, and even the tombs they were buried in were all intended originally to be powerful works of art, as they aesthetically demonstrate different values and systems of beliefs in a society while displaying a significant amount of craftsmanship. Through comparing many different statues found, art historians can create a clear understanding of art styles. For example, the Painted Wooden Figure of Osiris (figure 1) falls directly in line with other statues found around the same period. Many statues such as this one show the specific style of art used by ancient Egyptians. For example, Osiris is holding a flail in one hand…show more content… The Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut was considered an architectural marvel at the time of its conception. Hatshepsut showcased her power and success through her lavish temple. Hatshepsut’s architect Senenmut created an imposing temple in the side of a cliff unlike any we have seen from this era. Lush gardens with exotic foliage covered the temple’s three levels, which would have been a testament to the prosperity that Egypt enjoyed during Hatshepsut’s rule. Hatshepsut demonstrated her power and successful expansion of the empire by ordering her soldiers to bring animals from the farthest reaches of the kingdom to her temple. This reinforced her success as a ruler as well as her ability to lead. Through its imposing size, the temple demonstrates the value that the Egyptians placed on power and strong leadership. In addition, Hatshepsut displays her power over Egypt through her use of colossi at the entrances of her temple. Because of the size of these statues at the entrance, as you would walk through the columns her imposing figure would watch you. Stories told on reliefs throughout the mortuary temple also show Hatshepsut’s success as a ruler. The story of her birth exhibits the belief in a conception of rulership organized by divine right. It says that Hatshepsut was chosen to become Pharaoh by Amun before she was born and that she was formed with her destiny in mind. Unfortunately,…show more content… These coffins demonstrate the artists’ skill as well as Egyptian society’s religious beliefs and daily practices at the time. One such coffin is that of the temple singer Meresamun (Figure 2). Scenes containing Gods and Goddesses cover the surface of the coffin, protecting the body and soul within on its journey through the afterlife. These images provide balance to the coffin. For example, there are four gods to protect Meresamun’s organs; two on either side. The God Horus is in the center of the coffin holding a sun disk out in each hand, creating an image with heraldic symmetry. The importance of balance in Egyptian society, especially with regards to the afterlife, is further demonstrated towards the foot of the coffin where the symbols for Osiris, the djed, and the west are opposite an Isis knot and the symbol for the east. This theme of balance is demonstrated in all of the images on the coffin, and is further reflected in the belief that one’s heart was weighed against the goddess Maat’s feather of truth and justice and must balance the scale in order to pass on to the afterlife. This supposedly indicated that the deceased lead a just life. Meresamun’s coffin also adheres to Egyptian canon. Meresamun is depicted wearing a vulture headdress which was worn by high priestesses, queens, and goddesses. This indicates her status as a temple singer. The face on the coffin follows ancient