Home Tags Posts tagged with "Funerary Practices"
Tag:

Funerary Practices

Archaeology

Fragments of Ancient Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead’ Reunited After Centuries: Unraveling Funerary Secrets

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Fragments of Ancient Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead’ Reunited After Centuries

Discovery and Reunification

Researchers have digitally reunited two fragments of a 2,300-year-old linen mummy wrapping covered in hieroglyphics from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. The fragments, originally from the same scroll, were scattered across museums worldwide.

When employees at the Getty Research Institute (GRI) in Los Angeles saw photographs of a digitized fragment housed in the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities at the University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand, they realized that a section in their collections fit perfectly with the UC scrap.

Significance of the Book of the Dead

The Book of the Dead, a collection of funerary texts, was believed to guide the deceased through the afterlife. It contained spells, prayers, and illustrations depicting the journey and challenges faced by the soul in the underworld.

Provenance of the Fragments

The reunited fragments came from a series of bandages once wrapped around a man named Petosiris. Fragments of the linen are scattered across museums and private collections around the globe.

The UC fragment originated in the collection of Charles Augustus Murray, the British consul general in Egypt from 1846 to 1853. It later became the property of British official Sir Thomas Phillips. The university acquired the linen at a Sotheby’s sale in London in 1972.

Ancient Egyptian Funerary Practices

Ancient Egyptian belief held that the deceased needed worldly possessions on their journey to and in the afterlife. The art in pyramids and tombs depicted scenes of offerings, supplies, servants, and other necessities for the afterlife.

Evolution of Funerary Texts

Ancient Egyptian funerary texts first appeared on tomb walls during the Old Kingdom period (around 2613 to 2181 B.C.). Initially, only royalty at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara could have these so-called Pyramid Texts inscribed at their graves.

Over time, funerary customs changed, and versions of the Coffin Texts—a later adaptation of the Pyramid Texts—appeared on the sarcophagi of nonroyal people. During the New Kingdom period (roughly 1539 to 1075 B.C.), the Book of the Dead became available to all who could afford a copy.

Hope for Further Insights

Scholars hope that the newly joined fragments will reveal more information about ancient Egyptian funerary practices. “The story, like the shroud, is being slowly pieced together,” says Terri Elder, a curator at the Teece Museum.

The digital reunification of these fragments provides researchers with a valuable opportunity to study the Book of the Dead in greater detail and gain insights into the beliefs and customs of ancient Egyptian society.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ancient Chinese Art

Mini Terracotta Army Unearthed in China: A Glimpse into Han Dynasty Funerary Practices

by Kim
written by Kim

Mini Terracotta Army Unearthed in China

Discovery of the Mini Terracotta Army

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a miniature terracotta army has been unearthed in Shanwing Village, China. The find, consisting of over 500 figurines, sheds light on the funerary practices of the Han Dynasty. Unlike the iconic Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, this mini army was likely intended for a lesser royal or high-ranking official.

Description of the Figurines

The mini terracotta army comprises a diverse array of figurines, including infantry soldiers, cavalry, horses, watchtowers, gates, buildings, granaries, stoves, and even a theatrical pavilion. The infantry soldiers, approximately 11 inches tall, are arranged in a square formation. The 49 cavalry figurines, adorned with helmets, body armor, and pibo-shoulder armor, are accompanied by horses and five vehicles. The pottery watchtowers, depicting two-story pavilions, stand 55 inches in height.

Historical Context

Experts believe the figurines date back to the Western Han Dynasty, around 2,100 years ago. This period marked a shift in Chinese funerary practices, as human sacrifices were gradually replaced with figurines representing attendants, servants, entertainers, guards, and warriors. The mini terracotta army is believed to have been created for a tomb that was later destroyed or covered over by urban development.

Purpose and Significance

The purpose of these figurines was to provide companionship and protection for the deceased in the afterlife. During the centuries preceding the creation of the Terracotta Warriors, real servants were often buried with Chinese nobles. By the Han era, however, figurines had become a more humane and practical alternative.

Craftmanship and Social Implications

The craftsmanship of the mini terracotta army is both intricate and impressive. The figurines exhibit detailed clothing, armor, and weapons, reflecting the high level of skill possessed by Han artisans. The discovery of such a well-crafted army also highlights the social stratification of the time, as only high-ranking individuals could afford such elaborate funerary arrangements.

Similar Discoveries

The mini terracotta army is not an isolated find. Similar miniature armies have been discovered accompanying the burials of emperors, senior government ministers, and princes from the same era. This suggests that the practice of creating terracotta armies as tomb guardians was widespread among the elite of the Han Dynasty.

Conclusion

The discovery of the mini terracotta army provides valuable insights into the funerary beliefs and social practices of ancient China. It demonstrates the importance of providing companionship and protection for the deceased in the afterlife, while also showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Han artisans. As research continues, this miniature army may shed further light on the lives and rituals of the Han Dynasty elite.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Prehistoric Art

5,000-Year-Old Burton Agnes Drum: A Remarkable Prehistoric Discovery

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

5,000-Year-Old Chalk Sculpture: The Burton Agnes Drum

Discovery and Significance

In 2015, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery at a burial site in the English village of Burton Agnes: a 5,000-year-old chalk sculpture known as the Burton Agnes drum. This intricately decorated artifact is considered “the most important piece of prehistoric art” unearthed in Great Britain in the past century, according to Neil Wilkin, a curator at the British Museum.

Description and Context

The Burton Agnes drum is a cylindrical stone sculpture adorned with spirals, triangles, and an hourglass-shaped “butterfly” motif. It was buried alongside three children, aged 3, 5, and 12, in a square pit at the center of a round barrow. The drum is believed to be a funerary offering or protective talisman.

Unique Features

The Burton Agnes drum is one of only four of its kind known to survive today. It is particularly intriguing because it exhibits a “sort of artistic language” that was prevalent throughout the British Isles during the Neolithic period, around 5,000 years ago.

Connections to Stonehenge

Carbon dating of bones found in the Burton Agnes grave indicates that the drum dates to between 3005 and 2890 B.C.E., during the first phase of Stonehenge’s construction. This suggests a connection between the communities that created the drum and those that built Stonehenge.

Folkton Drums and Artistic Continuity

The Burton Agnes drum closely resembles the three Folkton drums, which were found in a Neolithic child’s grave some 15 miles away in 1889. This similarity suggests a continuity of artistic traditions within the region.

Exceptional Burial Practices

At the time of the drum’s creation, burials were rare and usually reserved for children. The fact that the Burton Agnes drum was buried with three children makes it even more unique.

Analysis and Symbolism

Researchers are analyzing the drum’s carvings to decipher the symbolism and beliefs of the era in which Stonehenge was constructed. The intricate designs may provide insights into the spirituality and worldview of Neolithic communities.

Exhibition at the British Museum

The Burton Agnes drum is currently on display at the British Museum in London as part of the exhibition “The World of Stonehenge.” This exhibition showcases 430 objects related to Stonehenge, including the Nebra Sky Disc and Seahenge.

Additional Discoveries at the Burial Site

In addition to the drum, archaeologists found a clay ball believed to be a child’s toy and a long bone pin that may have once kept a burial shroud in place. These discoveries provide further evidence of the significance of the Burton Agnes burial site.

Ongoing Research and Significance

The discovery of the Burton Agnes drum continues to captivate researchers and shed light on the artistic, cultural, and spiritual practices of Neolithic communities in Britain. Ongoing analysis of the drum and its context promises to deepen our understanding of this fascinating period in history.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Archaeology

Unearthing the Secrets of an Ancient Roman Necropolis in Narbonne, France

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Ancient Roman Necropolis Unearthed in Narbonne, France

Archaeological Discovery

Archaeologists in Narbonne, France, have made a remarkable discovery: an ancient Roman necropolis containing over 1,430 burials and 450 other funerary structures. The site, which was in use for over 100 years, provides an intimate glimpse into the funerary practices of an ancient society.

Diverse Funerary Practices

The necropolis contains a wide variety of burial structures, including tombs, cremation pits, and platforms known as “banquet beds.” This diversity reflects the diverse funerary practices of the ancient Romans, who believed in honoring their dead with elaborate rituals and offerings.

Artifacts and Offerings

The graves have yielded a wealth of artifacts, including glass bottles, pottery, jewelry, coins, and phallic amulets. These objects provide insights into the daily lives and beliefs of the people buried here.

Glass Vessels and Pottery

The glass bottles and pottery found in the graves were likely used to hold food, drink, or other offerings for the deceased. Some of the pottery is decorated with intricate designs, while others are inscribed with the names of the individuals buried there.

Phallic Amulets

Phallic amulets were commonly found in the graves, particularly among men. These amulets were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. They were often worn by babies and soldiers as a form of protection.

Cremated Remains and Ossuary Vessels

The majority of the individuals buried in the necropolis were cremated. Their cremated remains were placed in ossuary vessels, which were often made of colored glass or decorated marble. Some of the ossuary vessels are quite elaborate, indicating the importance placed on honoring the dead.

Banquet Beds

The necropolis also contains several banquet beds, which were platforms used for hosting feasts in honor of the deceased. These feasts, known as Parentalia, were annual celebrations where families gathered at the graves of their loved ones to honor their memory.

Significance and Future Research

The discovery of this Roman necropolis is a significant archaeological find that sheds light on the funerary practices of an ancient society. The artifacts and structures found at the site provide valuable insights into the beliefs and customs of the ancient Romans. Future research on the human remains and artifacts will help to further our understanding of this fascinating period in history.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail