Essay On Hypocephalus

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Hypocephalus is a small round disk-shaped object generally made not only of plastered linen, but also of papyrus, bronze, gold, wood, or clay. Ancient Egyptians used it from the Late Period by placing it under the heads of their deceased persons. This odd disk, covered with strange images and texts, is known as "Hypocephalus," which is a Greek word for "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 him.It was believed to magically protect the deceased, causing the head and body to be enveloped in light and warmth, making the deceased divine.The talisman on the disk with the mysterious shapes of …show more content…
Ancient Egyptians started to place it under the heads of their deceased persons from the Late Periods onwards. Hypocephalus was an unusual religious pillow with solar significance that enabled the deceased to be associated with the sun god Ra in the netherworld. It consists of two sides, one side is blank, but the upper side that upon which the head rested is covered with various scenes and inscriptions. In some other cases, both of the two sides are covered with figures, most of them dedicated to the sun god Ra in various forms. It was believed that hypocephalus magically protected the deceased, causing his head and body to be enveloped in light and warmth.The panel 's figures showed mysterious shapes of the creator godpresentingenough protection to the deceased person in the afterlife.The circular panel was often inscribed with vignettes of Chapter 162 in the Book of the Dead that was consecrated to give heat and warmth beneath the head of the dignified

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