Statue of Anubis

This statue represents Anubis, god of mummification and the afterlife, typically depicted with a jackal head. In this piece, Anubis is shown in a traditional form, with a jackal head, standing in a protective and authoritative pose. 

The statue was dedicated by a high-ranking official named Padihorpakhered, whose name is inscribed on the statue. He was likely a priest or an individual of high social standing who had a role in religious ceremonies or rituals associated with death and the afterlife.

Anubis was one of the most important deities in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. He was associated with mummification, the afterlife, and the protection of the dead. As the god who oversaw the embalming process, Anubis was crucial for the deceased’s journey to the afterlife. He was typically depicted as either a jackal or as a man with a jackal head—animals associated with cemeteries, where jackals were often seen scavenging the bodies of the dead.

Anubis’s role extended to overseeing the weighing of the heart ceremony, a key part of the judgment in the afterlife. In this ceremony, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma’at (the goddess of truth and justice). If the heart was lighter than the feather, the person was deemed worthy of eternal life. Anubis, as the protector and guide for the dead, was central to this process.

The statue itself was likely part of a larger religious or funerary offering. During the 26th Dynasty, which is part of the Late Period of ancient Egypt, there was a resurgence in interest in religious practices and honoring the gods, especially in the realm of death and the afterlife.

The 26th Dynasty was a time of political, social, and cultural revival in Egypt, and the art from this period is known for its refined style and meticulous attention to detail.

The statue is created from copper alloy, which was a durable and malleable material favored by Egyptian artisans for statues. While many Egyptian statues were made of stone, especially for larger, public works, smaller objects, including votive statues, were often crafted in metals like copper. This allowed for intricate detailing and an ability to create statues in the naturalistic style that was becoming popular during the period.

The inscription reveals the religious practices of the time, with individuals dedicating statues to gods like Anubis as a form of devotion, hoping to ensure protection and favor in the afterlife.

It’s important to note that in ancient Egypt, individuals would often commission statues of gods or themselves to be placed in tombs or temples, creating a connection between the living and the divine. These statues were not only acts of devotion but also had practical religious purposes, such as ensuring the deceased’s safe passage to the afterlife.

This statue is an excellent example of Egyptian religious art and the importance of Anubis in Egyptian mythology.

Late Period, 26th Dynasty, ca. 664-525 BC. Now in the Louvre. E 3801