Where to See Book of the Dead of Ani: British Museum, London

The Book of the Dead of Ani is a 78-foot papyrus scroll containing spells to help the deceased handle the afterlife. Created around 1250 BCE for a royal scribe named Ani, it's the most beautifully illustrated Egyptian funerary text that survives. The hieroglyphs are written in cursive script with vignettes painted in vivid colors.

The most famous scene shows Ani's heart being weighed against the feather of Ma'at (truth). If the heart was lighter, Ani would enter paradise. If heavier with sin, the demon Ammit would devour it. The jackal-headed god Anubis operates the scales while Thoth records the verdict. The British Museum acquired this work in 1888. Only portions are displayed due to the scroll's fragility.

The Book of the Dead is a collection of Egyptian funerary spells meant to help the deceased handle the underworld. Each was custom-made, with the owner's name inserted throughout.

Ani was a royal scribe who lived around 1250 BCE during the reign of Ramesses II. His position allowed him to commission an notably fine Book of the Dead.

The weighing of the heart was the final judgment. The deceased's heart was weighed against Ma'at's feather. A light heart meant paradise; a heavy heart meant destruction by the demon Ammit.

Book of the Dead of Ani

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