Ancient Egyptian Funerary Tools and Beliefs

Abstract

Ancient Egyptian burial practices have long fascinated scholars and the public alike due to their intricate rituals and the significant role of funerary objects. These practices offer profound insights into the spiritual beliefs and societal norms of ancient Egypt, highlighting the importance of the afterlife in their culture. Understanding the symbolic and practical purposes of these funerary objects enriches our knowledge of ancient Egyptian religion and cultural practices, offering a clearer picture of their worldviews and how they sought to ensure a successful transition to the afterlife. This paper examines the diverse range of objects used in ancient Egyptian burials, focusing on their intended functions and the beliefs associated with them. It explores the significance of protective amulets, shabti figurines, scarab beetles, and funerary texts in the context of ancient Egyptian culture. This paper will review existing literature on Egyptian funerary practices to argue that Egyptian funerary objects served three main purposes: to protect, to resurrect, and to communicate.