Cartouche of Seti I (Sarcophagus Detail)

A low-angle, close-up photograph of a pale, polished calcite stone surface carved with Egyptian hieroglyphic characters. The central focus is an elongated oval, known as a cartouche, which contains specific hieroglyphs spelling the throne name of Seti I, Menmaatre. Below the inscribed band, the stone surface features a texture of fine, regular stippling or pitted holes, contrasting with the smooth, carved lines of the hieroglyphs above.

The cartouche contains the prenomen (throne name) of Seti I, 'Menmaatre,' which translates to 'Established is the Justice (Maat) of Ra.' Such inscriptions on royal sarcophagi were vital for ensuring the deceased's eternal identification and protection in the afterlife, as detailed in the funerary texts such as the Book of Gates.