In life, this gazelle was the cherished pet of Queen Isetemkheb, daughter of Pinedjem II and a powerful priestess of Amun. In death, it was honored like royalty. Around 945 BC, it was carefully mummified, wrapped in blue-lined bandages, and placed in an intricately crafted wooden coffin to accompany its owner into the afterlife. This rare burial offers a glimpse into the deep emotional and spiritual connections ancient Egyptians had with their animals, treating them as companions beyond death.
