Egyptian funerary cones from tombs at Thebes Egypt. Funerary cones (small cones made from clay) are an Ancient Egyptian artifact, almost exclusively in the Theban necropolis, placed over the entrance of the chapel of a tomb. Early examples have been found from the Eleventh Dynasty, but are generally undecorated. During the New Kingdom, they were reduced in size and inscribed with the title and name of the tomb owner, often with a short prayer. The exact purpose of the cones is unknown.