Card/Transcription No.: 208-4

A characteristic feature of these shrines is the batter of the sides, which gives them an air of
both strength and repose.

The incised and bas relief work upon the panels has considerable architectural value, and to
decorate them with any completeness there must be subject material. These ancient Egyptians
were at no loss in this respect. With a thoroughness which has hardly been excelled they
incised upon the gold overlay excerpts from the intricate system connected with the dead, such
as The 'Book of what is in the Netherworld', describing the various regions traversed by the
sun-god during his nocturnal journey underground from west to east; the 'Book of Gates',
dealing with the topography of the Netherworld; the 'Litany of the Sun'; and a magical text
recounting the 'Destruction of Mankind',