The Representation of Heart in Sheikh Abd El Qurna Private Tombs during the 18th Dynasty

Abstract

The current research was dedicated to shed light on the heart and its symbolism in the Ancient Egyptian conception; to study the importance of heart in Ancient Egyptian religion; to focus on the representation of heart in both daily and funerary scenes like heart necklace which is represented either worn by the tomb owner or offered to him in Sheikh Abd El Qurna private tombs; to spotlight on the religious symbolism of the different colors and numbers of heart in the scenes decorating the walls of Sheikh Abd El Qurna private tombs; to spotlight on the specific locations of heart in scenes and their relation with the Ancient Egyptian conception. as well as to focus on the chapters dedicated to the heart protection in the book of the Dead. The preliminary results indicated that heart was illustrated in different locations inside the tombs like on the walls of the hall, inner room, burial chamber and passage. Heart was represented in both the funerary scenes like purification and opening of the mouth and daily life scenes like offering food to the deceased in the 18th dynasty private tombs at Thebes especially in Sheikh Abd El Qurna Necropolis.