Treasure of El Lahun
| Treasure of El Lahun | |
|---|---|
Site of the discovery within the princess's tomb | |
| Type | Archaeological discovery |
| Housed at | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City Egyptian Museum, Cairo |
| Funded by | Henry Walters, Rogers Fund of The Met |
| Culture | Ancient Egyptian |
| Created | Twelfth Dynasty |
| Discovery date | 1914 |
| Discovery place | Tomb 8, pyramid of Senusret II, El Lahun 29°14′N 30°58′E / 29.233°N 30.967°E |
| Discovered by | Guy Brunton, Flinders Petrie |
| Website | The Met The EMC |
The treasure of El Lahun is the name given to the discovery of a significant cache of Middle Kingdom artefacts in 'tomb 8', a subsidiary burial belonging to sꜣt-nsw Sithathoriunet, presumed daughter of Senusret II, at his funerary complex in El Lahun. The treasure was held in elaborately decorated ebony chests and features an exquisitely crafted cloisonné 'pectoral of Senusret II' with a meticulously chased back; a second near identical 'pectoral of Amenemhat III'; a 'crown of Sithathoriunet' and accompanying decorative wig; two sets of jewellery with distinct motifs; obsidian cosmetic and alabaster oil jars; a set of toiletries, including an intricately decorated mirror; and many other small items. The majority of these finds now reside in the Metropolitan Museum of Art ('The Met') in New York City, though a few items are held by the Egyptian Museum ('the EMC') in Cairo.