Four birds with human head. Papyrus Book of the Dead

Neues Museum

Four birds with human head. Hieroglyphic Papyrus Book of the Dead; Late Period, 2nd Century BC; from Thebes

At the center is a striking rectangular motif with a pattern of wavy lines, symbolizing water or the primeval waters (Nun) — the cosmic ocean of creation in Egyptian belief.

Around the rectangle are four winged figures, each shown kneeling and facing one side of the central shape. These are likely Ba spirits—the spiritual aspect of the soul, often depicted as a bird with a human head. Their symmetrical arrangement around the watery rectangle suggests a protective or ritual configuration, possibly representing the guarding of a sacred pool, sarcophagus, or divine portal.

The surrounding hieroglyphic text invoking protection, renewal, and safe passage for the deceased in the afterlife.

Overall, the composition represents a symbolic scene of cosmic balance and spiritual guardianship, uniting the soul’s fourfold presence around the waters of creation or rebirth.

Hieroglyphic Papyrus Book of the Dead; Late Period, 2nd Century BC; from Thebes

Taken on Tuesday 06th of August 2019

Device: Google

Model: Pixel 3 XL

Genre: 2nd Century BC

Source: Berlin, Germany

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