Anubis The Jackal-Headed God of Embalming and Mummification

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Anubis The Jackal-Headed God of Embalming and Mummification - Anubis, the jackal-headed god of ancient Egypt, is one of the most recognizable deities from ancient Egyptian religion. He is often depicted in art and literature as a protector of the dead and a guide to the afterlife. However, Anubis's origins can be traced back to a god of embalming and mummification.

Anubis is first mentioned in texts from the Old Kingdom, around 2600 BCE. At this time, he was known as "Anpu" or "Inpu" and was primarily associated with the process of embalming and mummification. The ancient Egyptians believed that the preservation of the body was essential for the soul's journey to the afterlife, and Anubis was considered the patron god of embalmers and the protector of the dead.


Embalming and mummification were important rituals in ancient Egypt, and the process of mummification was considered a vital step in the journey to the afterlife. The process of mummification usually took around 70 days and was a very detailed process that involved removing the organs, drying the body, and wrapping it in linen bandages. Anubis was considered the god who oversaw the embalming process, and he was often depicted in art and literature as the one who prepared the body for the afterlife.


Anubis was also closely associated with the god of the dead, Osiris. In many myths, Anubis helped Osiris become king of the dead and protected his body after his death. Anubis was also believed to have helped Isis, Osiris's wife, embalm her husband's body and restore him to life. This association with Osiris and the afterlife solidified Anubis's role as a god of the dead.


Anubis was also closely associated with funerary rites and funerary cults. Many tombs and funerary complexes were dedicated to Anubis, and he was often depicted on the walls of these tombs as a protector of the deceased. He was also a popular god among the living, who would often leave offerings to Anubis in hopes of gaining his protection in the afterlife. These offerings were often placed in the tomb of the deceased and were believed to help the deceased's journey to the afterlife.

Anubis's jackal-head was also an important aspect of his godly identity. The jackal was a common animal in the Egyptian desert and was known for its scavenging habits. The ancient Egyptians believed that the jackal's scavenging habits made it a fitting symbol for Anubis, the god of embalming and mummification. This association with the jackal also helped to solidify Anubis's role as a god of death, as the jackal was often associated with death and the afterlife in ancient Egyptian beliefs.


In conclusion, Anubis played a vital role in the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife. He was the god of embalming and mummification, protector of the dead and was closely associated with funerary rites and funerary cults. He was also closely associated with the god of the dead, Osiris and was a popular god among the living who would often leave offerings to Anubis in hopes of gaining his protection in the afterlife. 

Anubis's jackal-head was also an important aspect of his godly identity and his association with the jackal helped to solidify his role as a god of death. Today, Anubis continues to be one of the most recognizable deities from ancient Egyptian religion due to his association with the afterlife and funerary practices.

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