Hypocephalus in Ancient Egyptian Religion

Abstract

Hypocephalus is a small round shaped disk, made of plastered linen, papyrus, bronze, gold, wood, and either clay. Since the Late Period onwards; ancient Egyptians used to place such round desks under the heads of their deceased. This unusual disk, covered with extraordinary images and texts, is known as Hypocephalus, which is a Greek word interpreted as ‘ that which is below the head ’ , referring to its religious significance. This unusual religious pillow enabled the deceased to identify himself to the sun god by the light coming through. It was believed to magically protect the deceased, light and warmth envelope the head and body, so imposes the deceased divinity. The talisman on the disk with the mysterious shapes of the creator god Ra protect the deceased in the afterlife. It was often inscribed with chapter 162 of the Book of the Dead, consecrated to give warmth under the head of the dignified one. The current research was carried out to spot light on the etymology of the word ‘ hypocephalus ’, its symbolism as an amulet, and to clarification of scenes on both sides of the Hypocephalus. Preliminary results revealed the etymology of Hypocephalus literally 'that which is below the head', was placed between the head of the mummy and the funerary headrest. The earliest examples appeared during the Late Periods; they were simple inscribed pieces of papyrus, clay, bronze, gold, wood as well as stucco linen with vignettes' decorations. The hieroglyphic inscriptions run around the disk framework. This study aims to; - Shed light on the etymology of the word hypocephalus. - Illuminate the religious significance of the hypocephalus as an amulet. - Describe the representations of baboons carved on the hypocephalus. - Focus on the several representations of baboons and their different functions. - Spot light on the symbolism of baboons which are varied from a hypocephalus to another. - Analyze the relation of scenes depicted on the disk with the purpose of the hypocephalus. - Count God Ra forms and identify the object due to the ancient Egyptian religious concepts.