Ceremony of Opening the Mouth
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Ceremony of Opening the Mouth
The Book of the Dead details the numerous ceremonies and procedures for the resurrection of the dead. Here, in one of the ceremonies, the priest raises an amulet with a serpents head over the seated Ani. This is the special instrument for opening the mouth so that the deceased will be able to breathe and to speak to the gods, telling them the words of power which are spelled out in the Book of the Dead. From the Papyrus of Ani
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9198927
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1275 Bc Afterlife Ancient Egypt Animation Book Of The Dead Gods Hieroglyphics Immortality Magic Papyrus Resurrection Rituals Spells Symbolism Deities Papyrus Of Ani Polytheism Resuscitation
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous scene from the ancient Egyptian Ceremony of Opening the Mouth. The intricate details depicted here showcase the profound rituals and procedures involved in resurrecting the dead, as described in The Book of the Dead. In this particular ceremony, a priest is seen raising an amulet with a serpent's head over Ani, who sits patiently awaiting resuscitation. The significance of this special instrument lies in its ability to open the mouth of the deceased, enabling them to breathe and communicate with the gods. Through these sacred words spoken by Ani, which are meticulously spelled out in The Book of the Dead, he gains access to powerful incantations known as "words of power". These mystical utterances hold immense symbolism and serve as a conduit for communication between mortals and deities. The animation within this image brings to life an essential aspect of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs - immortality. By following these elaborate rituals and invoking divine intervention through spells and prayers inscribed on papyrus scrolls like that belonging to Ani dating back to 1275 BC - individuals sought eternal existence beyond death. This remarkable depiction not only showcases their polytheistic faith but also provides us with valuable insights into their complex afterlife beliefs. It serves as a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage while reminding us of humanity's enduring fascination with magic, resurrection, and our quest for immortality.
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