ushebti
XIXth Dynasty, 1350 - 1200, B.C.
Beginning in the new empire, a papyrus or leather book is placed in the tombs of wealthy persons. Stored in a chest often adorned by a statue of Osiris-Sokaris it was placed inside the sarcophagus or inserted into the bands of cloth covering the mummy.
These “book of the deads” were found by the hundreds.
They are not a type of an Egyptian bible but a collection of incantations, often completed with drawings and signs in order to further strengthen its power.
All such books had the title : "Recipe to return to light".
Read by a priest at the funeral, it contains phrases such as; “to resurrect and turn into a god” how to assure “the freedom of movement” and to obtain “what is useful” in the interior world.
Painted stucco on wood
Height: 17 inch
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