Egyptian Tomb Treasures
Ornate sarcophagi are often found in ancient Egyptian burial sites. Create an artistic treasure fit for a queen or king.
1. Ancient Egyptian kings and queens were often buried in elaborately decorated chambers. A stone or cement box (sarcophagus) was usually found inside the tomb. Images and words on the sarcophagus showed important events and interests in the person’s life. A sarcophagus could contain a coffin of solid silver, a gold mummy-board, and even a solid gold mask covering the face of the mummified pharaoh!
2. Choose authentic designs. Find out more about ancient Egyptian burial procedures so you can create a realistic sarcophagus. These are a few ideas to get you started. Sketch Egyptian patterns and designs with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Change your mind? Just erase!
3. Decorate your sarcophagus. Cover your art area with newspaper. Air-dry your project after each of these steps: Paint a recycled box with Crayola Tempera and a brush. Paint your patterns on the box with metallic colors of Crayola Premier Tempera. Add Crayola Glitter Glue to highlight prominent designs.
4. Cut a flap on top of the box. Cut a paper strip with Crayola Scissors. Cover it with glue from a Crayola Glue Stick and roll up tightly to form a knob. Glue it on the flap with Crayola School Glue. If you wish, fill the box with other replica burial treasures.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.
Glitter Glue—
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
- Create other Egyptian artifacts such as a cartouche or a canopic jar.
- Research Egyptian architecture and re-create a sphinx (triangular pyramid).
- Research Egyptian hieroglyphics and create a chart or poster showing the meanings of various symbols.
- Assessment: Students explain the meaning of the designs on their sarcophagi and the context in which they were used.











