Tree of life. Hieroglyphic Papyrus Book of the Dead

Neues Museum

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

At the center, a tree or plant of life rises from a base of wavy water lines, symbolizing the primeval waters (Nun)—the source of all creation and regeneration. From this sacred tree, numerous Ba birds (each with a human head and bird body) emerge or descend, representing souls or spiritual aspects of the deceased returning to life or taking flight in the afterlife.

Below, two guardian figures with human heads and bird bodies kneel or stand within patterned enclosures, possibly symbolizing protective mounds or sacred containers. Between them lie two black jackals, likely representing Anubis, the god of mummification and protector of the dead. These figures frame the base of the tree, suggesting guardianship over the realm of rebirth.

Above the tree, four standing male figures face inward, observing or participating in the ritual. They may represent souls of the cardinal directions, spirits of the dead, or divine witnesses ensuring the cosmic order of resurrection.

The surrounding hieroglyphic inscriptions likely include prayers or spells for renewal, transformation, and protection, invoking the tree’s life-giving power and the gods’ guardianship.

Overall, the composition is a symbolic vision of rebirth, showing the souls emerging from the waters of creation under divine protection, embodying one of the central themes of Egyptian funerary religion — the triumph of life over death.

Tree of life. 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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