The scribe Ani at the door of his tomb
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
The scribe Ani at the door of his tomb
From the chapter in the Book of the Dead describing how to prevent the soul of a man being captive in the underworld. Ani is standing at the doorway of the tomb. On the other side is his shadow and hovering above is his soul in the form of a human-headed bird holding a shen, symbol of eternity, in its claws. From the Papyrus of Ani
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9198943
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1275 Bc Afterlife Ancient Egypt Animation Book Of The Dead Eternity Immortality Magic Resurrection Soul Spells Symbol Symbolism Underworld Polytheism Shen
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a profound moment from ancient Egypt's religious beliefs. In the image, we witness the scribe Ani standing at the entrance of his tomb, surrounded by powerful symbolism and magical elements. The scene depicts an essential chapter from the Book of the Dead, which guides individuals on how to prevent their souls from being held captive in the underworld. On one side of Ani stands his shadow, representing his physical presence in this world. On the other side hovers his soul, taking shape as a human-headed bird clutching a shen - a symbol of eternity - within its claws. This ethereal form signifies Ani's journey towards immortality and resurrection. The Papyrus of Ani serves as a conduit for these religious beliefs and practices dating back to 1275 BC. It contains spells and rituals aimed at ensuring a successful transition into the afterlife. Polytheism is deeply ingrained in this depiction, highlighting ancient Egyptians' devotion to multiple deities. As we explore this mesmerizing artwork captured by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of humanity's enduring fascination with life beyond death and our eternal quest for meaning and transcendence. The intricate details portrayed in this print invite us to delve deeper into ancient Egyptian culture while contemplating our own mortality and spiritual aspirations.
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