Page 31 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – September/October 2019

idyllic version of their earthly life, which included the daily reunion of the soul and body during the daytime, hence “for going forth by day.” Chapters and verses included
in Lepsius’ Book of Dead are on several objects in the Ancient Egypt exhibition. For instance, “The Book of the Dead of Nepasef” (figure 1) displayed above the Ptolemaic mummy, comes closest to a physical “book.” The papyrus was personalized for Nepasef to ensure his safety on his journey to the afterlife. Two of the spells included in the text were to protect Nepasef from the dangerous serpents and crocodiles of the underworld.
The approximately 3,000-year-old coffin of Ankhefenmut, the 21st Dynasty mummy, includes images and hieroglyphics similar to “The Book of the Dead of Nepasef.” Figure 2 shows Ankhefenmut in his human form
Dynastic Egypt civilization, the era when its kings or pharaohs ruled it, lasted for nearly 3,000 years and was remarkable in its stability and continuity.
being reunited with his ba, or soul, to begin his journey to the afterlife. The spell is on the coffin, instead of a personalized papyrus, because Ankhefenmut lived and died
during a period of intense political and social turmoil. The lack of stability in Egypt during that time necessitated that coffins be decorated with the traditional spells and hymns “For Going Forth by Day,” as valuables like papyri were in short supply.
When the individual successfully made the journey through the afterlife, they reached a paradise that mirrored their life on Earth. While the Ancient Egyptian version of paradise included family, friends and even pets, it also meant that tasks necessary for existence during life had to be replicated by the deceased. Spells were created that animated a figurine, called an ushabti, to complete any unwanted chores. Some mummies were accompanied by so many ushabtis that they also had an overseer ushabti, like the one shown in Figure 3.
AAA members receive $2 discount on admission at the Albany Institute of History & Art.
Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York’s oldest museum. Located just one block west of the New York State Capitol, visitors enjoy exhibitions that range from colonial history to contemporary art. Free parking is available behind the museum at the corner of Elk and Dove Streets.
Figure 3. The owner of this ushabti, Wedjet, would utter the incantation and the figurine would animate to complete work for its owner. This ushabti is made from Egyptian faience, a glazed ceramic whose blue color is unique to the sands of Egypt. In some instances, the spell necessary to animate the ushabti would be written directly on the figurine or might be on an accompanying papyrus.
Overseer shabti of Ta Wedjet. Third Intermediate Period, 21 Dynasty, ca. 1069-945 BC. Egyptian faience, H 5 in. x W 2 in. x D 1 3⁄4 in. Thebes, Egypt. Albany Institute of History & Art, gift of Dr. Gerhard L. Weinberg in memory of Max B. and Kate S. Weinberg, 1988.18 ).
SEP/OCT 2019 I 31
DISCOUNTS DIGEST