The scribe Ani

 

The scribe Ani was an ancient Egyptian official known for a particularly famous artifact: *The Papyrus of Ani*, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved copies of the *Book of the Dead*. This document, which dates to around 1250 BCE in the 19th Dynasty during the New Kingdom period, provides detailed insights into Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Ani held the title of "Scribe and Accountant of the Offerings of All the Gods," indicating his position as a high-ranking official in charge of religious offerings and temple administration.

The Papyrus of Ani is significant for its elaborate illustrations and the quality of its hieroglyphic text. It contains a variety of spells, prayers, and incantations meant to guide Ani's soul safely through the trials of the afterlife. This includes the famous "Weighing of the Heart" scene, where Ani’s heart is weighed against the feather of Ma'at (representing truth and justice) to determine his worthiness for the afterlife. If his heart was lighter or balanced with the feather, he could enter paradise; if it was heavier, his soul would be devoured by the monstrous goddess Ammit.

The text was discovered in 1888 and is now housed in the British Museum, divided into various sheets. Due to its exceptional state of preservation and artistry, Ani's papyrus has been extensively studied and remains a prime example of the Egyptian *Book of the Dead* tradition.