The Book of the Dead - The judgement of the dead in the presence of Osiris From Thebes, Egypt 19th Dynasty, around 1275 BC . Papyrus (39.8cm)
Part III: Judgement
The purpose to scribe a book of dead actually is to help the decreased get an afterlife in bliss. The scene happened in Hall of Ma’at. The ankhs symbolize rebirth of dead people. Osiris’s green color skin represent rebirth because it symbolize vegetation and new life. The crook Osiris holds represent the leadership and flail represent food provider to his people. The feather of Ma’at on the scale represents truth, justice and tolerance, that why it used to compare with the heart of Hunefer. The 4 things standing on the lotus known as the son of Horus, they protect the organ of the deceased. The animals displayed represent gods. For example, the Anubis, which is a jackal headed, it has a connection with the cemeteries
Judgment of Osiris was intended the artwork to be religious, in other words, the artist was trying to convey the idea of the journey to the afterlife by representing elements with drawings. For example, Maat-goddess of justice, the Ankh, ‘the key of breath’ that the gods often holding with; Heart and feather which represented the truth and sin. (judgment of dead, 2000) Moreover, hieroglyphs are the spells actually contain the passwords of the questions, the stories and gods’ names.
In the Imitative perspective, the deceased have to pass a series of tests guarded by supernatural creatures. Pacify them by reciting a spell from the Book of the Dead. The deceased clothing represents wealthy citizens. The picture compromises as a court room where Osiris is the judge and the deceased is the accused.
No comments:
Post a Comment