Home > Africa > Egypt > Related Images
Weighing of the Heart
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Weighing of the Heart
Ani, recently dead, is judged in the Underworld where his heart is weighed
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 606333
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10055600
Dead Heart Judged Recently Underworld Weighed Weighing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image portrays the ancient Egyptian ritual of the Weighing of the Heart, a crucial aspect of the judgment of the deceased in the afterlife. In Egyptian mythology, the heart of the recently deceased, represented by the figure in the foreground, was believed to be weighed against the Feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice, in the Underworld. The heart, symbolizing the individual's moral character and actions during their lifetime, was weighed to determine their worthiness for entry into the afterlife. Ani, the mummified figure, is depicted with his arms outstretched, as if in submission, before the gods Osiris, Thoth, and Anubis. Osiris, the god of the dead, presides over the judgment, while Thoth, the god of wisdom and knowledge, records the outcome. Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife, holds the Feather of Ma'at, which represents the standard of righteousness. The heart of Ani is shown in the balance pan, while the soul, represented by a ba bird, hovers above, watching anxiously as the scales tip one way or the other. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was granted entry into the afterlife and eternal happiness. If the heart was heavier, it was devoured by the demon Ammit, and the soul was denied entry. This powerful and evocative image offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex beliefs of ancient Egyptian religion and their understanding of the afterlife. The Weighing of the Heart was a deeply significant ritual, reflecting the Egyptians' belief in the importance of moral conduct and the balance between good and evil in the human experience.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
