The Papyrus of Hunefer

The Papyrus of Hunefer (c. 1275 BCE) presents the ancient Egyptian judgment of the dead. Hunefer, a royal scribe, is led by the jackal‑headed Anubis into the Hall of Judgment, where his heart is weighed against the feather of Maat, symbol of truth and justice. If his heart proved heavier, it would be devoured by Ammit—a creature combining a lion’s forequarters, a hippopotamus’s hindquarters, and a crocodile’s head. Hunefer passes the test and is declared “justified,” with Thoth recording the verdict. In the next scene, the falcon‑headed Horus presents him to Osiris, enthroned with Isis, Nephthys, and the four sons of Horus. Hunefer kneels in reverence before a company of gods who affirm his acceptance into the afterlife. Together, these scenes—part of the Book of the Dead tradition—express core Egyptian beliefs in moral accountability, divine judgment, and the promise of eternal life.

After the trial the deceased is guided by the falcon-headed god Horus to Osiris

Osiris the god of the Afterlife, who appears seated on a throne and whose skin is a striking greenish colour.

Osiris shows his power bearing the symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt, Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum,

Public Domain

the Book of the DeadThis scene from Chapter I of the Book of the Dead in the Papyrus of Hunefer shows Hunefer’s funeral procession. His mummy rests on a boat‑shaped hearse drawn by oxen as attendants lead and follow, performing rites to ensure his safe passage to the afterlife. A priest conducts the Opening of the Mouth ceremony to restore Hunefer’s senses for the next world. Below, vertical columns of hieroglyphs contain spells and prayers meant to guide him through the dangers of the Duat and help him pass judgment before Osiris.

Hunefer’s funeral procession

Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum,

Public Domain

Opening of the mouth ceremony In the upper scene, Hunefer’s mummy is supported by Anubis a priest in a jackal mask while his wife, daughter, and three priests perform funerary rites. Two priests carry out the Opening of the Mouth ritual. At the right stands a stylized tomb with a doorway and small pyramid, and beside it a large depiction of the stela showing Hunefer worshipping Osiris. In the lower scene, a table holds the tools for the Opening of the Mouth ritual. Nearby, priests offer the foreleg of a calf cut from a living animal before the calf is sacrificed. The mother cow is shown bellowing, possibly reacting to the distress of her offspring.

The Opening of the Mouth ritual

Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum,

Public Domain

Hunefer, the royal scribe, stands in adoration before a row of seated deities who oversee judgment in the afterlife. He wears a white pleated linen garment and broad collar, while his wife, Nashat, stands behind him holding a sistrum and menat—objects linked to the goddess Hathor. Surrounding them are columns of hieroglyphs from the Book of Coming Forth by Day (Book of the Dead), containing spells and declarations meant to guide and protect Hunefer’s soul as it journeys through the underworld.

Hunefer, the royal scribe, stands in adoration before seated deities

Papyrus of Hunefer, British Museum,

Public Domain

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