Fragments from the Book of the Dead of Khary Wesay

Not much is known about Khary Wesay, other than he lived during the 19th Dynasty, yet the remnants of his Book of the Dead remain a beautiful discovery from Ancient Egypt. Through these well preserved fragments, one can take a technicolour journey through the Afterlife along with Khary Wesay and his wife Puia.

New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, c. 1292-1190 B.C.

A female mourner displays grief before the coffin.

Khary Wesay depicted with his wife Puia, "Lady of the House". — Khary Wesay depicted with his wife Puia, “Lady of the House”.

Puia and her husband Khary Wesay before the gods.

Khary Wesay plays the spiritual game of Senet, before being able to fly free in his Ba form.

The Book of the Dead is a papyrus roll that is a sort of guide for the afterlife. It is composed of magic religious texts, accompanied by illustrations. These are intended to provide protection to the deceased and help him or her make his or her journey to the afterlife, which was considered dangerous and full of obstacles to overcome.

The Book of the Dead, which were sort of guides written on papyrus for Egyptians’ afterlife, contain formulas that should be recited to activate the power of magical amulets.

The Book of the Dead of Khary Wesay was acquired by the British Museum in 1861.
Museum numbers:
EA9949,5
EA9949,8
EA9949,1
EA9949,4