THE BOOK OF THE DEAD

A color facsimile of an Egyptian papyrus vignette. The illustration is divided into two primary sections on a textured, tan background that mimics the appearance of aged, frayed papyrus.

On the left, a central ankh: a symbol representing life is supported by a djed pillar: a symbol representing stability or the spine of the god Osiris. This pillar holds up a large, solid red sun disk. This central motif is flanked by two goddesses, likely Isis and Nephthys, who are seated on reed mats and raise their hands in a gesture of adoration. Above them, six baboons, three on each side, raise their hands in worship toward the sun. This entire scene is framed within a curved green border.

On the right, the page features several vertical columns of hieroglyphs: the formal writing system of ancient Egypt. Next to these columns stands a female figure, depicted in profile, wearing an elaborate headdress and a long, translucent white pleated gown. She holds a sistrum: a ritual musical rattle and a menat: a heavy beaded necklace used as a percussion instrument. These are ritual instruments associated with the goddess Hathor.

The entire plate is printed on a modern cream-colored book page.

The following numbers are printed in the bottom right margin, aligned with the vertical columns of hieroglyphic text in the illustration.

20 19 18 17 16