One source of simple pattern that has been little noticed is the feather, and the variety of its forms. Fortunately we have these different forms shown unmistakably as feathers on the coffins of the Antefs in the XIth dynasty, before we find them in common use elsewhere. Hence we can have little doubt as to their real origin. On these coffins the royal mummies are figured as swathed around in protecting wings, representing those of Isis at the sides and of the vulture of Mut on the head. The feathers have different forms according to the part of the wing which they occupy. Thus on one coffin we find all of the following types of feathers:— [Illustration: Fig. 90.] [Illustration: Fig. 91.] [Illustration: Fig. 92.] [Illustration: Fig. 93.] [Illustration: Fig. 94.] Now when we have thus been shown the conventional types which were used to represent feathers, we can identify these again in many other places, where probably the original idea of feather work was entirely lost; and we have a new light on some representations not yet understood. [Illustration: 95.—Amenhotep I. R.S. xxix.] [Illustration: 96.—Amenhotep II. R.S. xxxvii.] On the kings of the XVIIIth-XXth dynasty we often see a wide belt covering the whole stomach, which is decorated with what is commonly called scale pattern. But this occurs in scenes which are not at all warlike, and where no defensive scale armour is likely to be shown—Amenhotep I. is seated as a god receiving adoration after his death; Amenhotep II. is represented adoring Ra. And in the second case the pattern is identical with the feathers on the Antef coffin. The only conclusion is that these represent belts of feather work worn around the body to prevent chill, like the voluminous waist shawl of modern Orientals. Such a feather belt would be admirable for lightness and warmth, but that it is not scale armour is seen from the absence of it in fighting scenes. On the contrary, in the royal campaigning dress another form of feather work is seen in the large wings of feathers which encircle the shoulders (Ramessu II., R.S. lxxxi.). This feather pattern is also very usual on the sides of thrones, from the XVIIIth dynasty down to the latest times. Here again it is evident that it cannot be scale armour; and a feather rug thrown across the seat, in place of the fur rug otherwise used, is a very likely thing to find in such a position. We may, then, take this pattern, when used on dress or on thrones, to represent feather work. But in later times it is also used on very incongruous objects. As early as the XVIIIth dynasty the feather pattern occurs around columns as an architectural ornament (Tell el Amarna), and with the characteristic marking also about the XIXth dynasty (P. 79); also on metal work (vase, P. 97), where it must be purely an artificial marking. [Illustration: 97.—P. 79.] [Illustration: 98.—P.R. lix.] [Illustration: 99.—R.S. lxxix.]