 Everything
in the Outer Chamber faced the Great Altar,
including the body of the deceased, which still lay on top of the Ceremonial
Platform. The deceased was undressed before being placed on this couch,
for it was believed that a person should travel into the afterlife unfettered
by earthly possessions. In its hand was the Sacred Communicator and around
it wrist was a flexible golden band bearing an image similar to that of
the upper altar. Signs of the ancient burial ritual were everywhere. A
variety of garments, including the ceremonial chest plate and shoes designed
to hold coins, were scattered about the chamber. Various containers, which
had once held libations and offerings stood on the altar and around the
platform.
Aware that the two pairs of shoes implied a double burial and having seen only one body, Carson immediately began searching for another chamber. Soon he had found the entrance to what eventually became know as the Inner Chamber. Quivering with excitement Carson removed his shirt and began the delicate operation of dismantling the door. |