The Book of the Dead was a kind of guide to the underworld where the ancient Egyptians believed the soul went after death.
Lots of mumbo-jumbo was meant to protect the deceased from the dangers of the underworld which ranged from starvation to creatures lurking in dark corners on the way to the final judgement. The priests and their followers feared encounters with demons and other unclean spirits as well as attacks by crocodiles and and other wild beasts.
One spell was to gain control over snakes which were said to guard certain parts of the underworld. Other spells could transfer the user into a falcon or even a god of light and darkness.
Get your Act together
One of the most difficult tasks was to keep your manifestations together, which were body, heart, name, and spirit. This would be extremely important in the weighing of the heart against the feather of Maat, the goddess of truth and justice. Anyone who failed the test would be devoured by Ammit, a kind of crocodile-lion-hippopotamus.
The Portuguese artist BroTTas is a long-time admirer of the book, asked for mail art commenting on the fascinating book. He has already received 100 works which he presents on his website.
A critical Statement
The illustration at the top of the page shows Gerald Jatzek’s critical view of the book’s presentation of the world(s). The beauty of the illustrations should not make us forget the ideology it conveys. It extends the structure of an extremely hierarchical society with an absolute ruler into eternity.
.
mail your art 