Ancient Egyptian, Roman Period (30 B.C.-A.D. 395)

During the last centuriesB.C. and first centuries A.D., when Egypt was ruled by the Greek dynasty of the Ptolemies and then by the Roman Empire, the millennia-old Egyptian guidebook for what would happen after death, commonly called the Book of the Dead, declined in popularity. A group of new, generally shorter guides took its place. These books emphasized practical topics, such as the specific rituals needed to move across the Underworld and to pass judgment by the gods. Papyrus Stevens (named for an early TMA director) is a unique compilation of texts and images from these new books and rituals and from the Book of the Dead.

Papyrus Stevens was written for a woman named Tamesia, daughter of Tashenanoup. In the scene shown here, Tamesia’s heart—believed to hold her memory and experience—is weighed to determine its worth. She stands with arms raised, facing the enthroned god Osiris, lord of the dead. Directly in front of Tamisia sits the monster Ammit (part crocodile, lion, and hippopotamus), eager to eat her heart if it does not pass judgment.

 

Ink on papyrus, about A.D. 100
Gift of Henry W. Wilhelm, 1927.71