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Egyptian papyrus with a depiction of the weighing of the heart
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Egyptian papyrus with a depiction of the weighing of the heart
Egyptian papyrus with a depiction of the weighing of the heart of the decased, Ani, on the left against the feather of truth on the right by the jackal-headed god Anubis. Maat, the goddess of truth and order, looks on (left) with the soul-bird (Ba) of Ani above. The ibis-headed Thoth looks on to record the result, and Ammut on the far left waits to devour the heart if he fails. From the papyrus of Ani, in the British Musem
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Media ID 14852075
© CM Dixon / Heritage-Images
Anubis Deceased Heart Ibis Jackal Maat Papyrus Thoth Weighing Ancient Egyptian Mike Dixon
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This print showcases an ancient Egyptian papyrus, steeped in rich mythology and religious symbolism. The image depicts the profound ritual known as the weighing of the heart, a pivotal moment for the deceased soul on its journey to the afterlife. On the left side stands Ani, his heart being weighed against Maat's feather of truth held by Anubis, the jackal-headed god who guides souls through this crucial process. The presence of Maat, goddess of truth and order, emphasizes the significance placed upon moral righteousness in Egyptian belief. As she observes with unwavering scrutiny on the left side, Ani's soul-bird (Ba) hovers above him symbolizing his eternal essence. Thoth, represented as an ibis-headed deity onlooker to record this solemn event meticulously. His role as a scribe underscores his association with wisdom and knowledge. However, lurking ominously at far left is Ammut - a fearsome creature awaiting any failure in judgment. Should Ani's heart prove heavier than Maat's feather due to wrongdoing or impurity within his life’s deeds; Ammut would devour it mercilessly. This artifact from British Museum offers us a glimpse into Egypt’s vibrant culture and their deep-rooted beliefs surrounding death and rebirth. It serves as a reminder that even thousands of years later we can still marvel at their intricate artistry while pondering life’s ultimate questions about morality and our place in eternity.
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