Nut

Underneath Wahibreemakhet’s collar we can see the kneeling goddess Nut, with her arms stretched out and wings spread protectively around the sarcophagus. A solar disk with her name written within it is placed on her head. She is holding an ostrich feather in both hands. These feathers are associated with the concept Maat: truth, justice, and cosmic order. R. Wilkinson, [The complete gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt] (http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51668000) (New York, 2003), 150.

Nut was the goddess of the sky and the mother of Osiris. She was an important protective deity for the deceased, possibly because of her connection with the god Osiris, with whom the deceased associated himself. Her husband Geb, the god of the earth, was also associated with the protection of the deceased. He too can be found on this sarcophagus.

Because of her protective role Nut can often be found on the outside of sarcophagi, as is the case here and in fig. 1 and 2. Nut is also often portrayed on the inside of coffins, as is the case in fig. 3. The flower garlands from step 3 can also be found on the lid of this coffin.