APAH - LAST JUDGEMENT OF HU-NEFER

Last Judgment of Hunefer

A scene from the Book of the Dead depicting the judgment process of the deceased scribe Hunefer in the afterlife.

Creation Date

The artwork was created around 1275 BCE during the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, specifically the 19th Dynasty.

Materials Used

The artwork was painted on papyrus, a writing material made from the papyrus plant commonly used in ancient Egypt.

Judgment Process

The scene shows three stages:Anubis leading Hunefer, the weighing of Hunefer's heart against the feather of Ma’at, and Thoth recording the result.

Feather of Ma’at

A symbol of truth, justice, and cosmic order, used to determine the purity of Hunefer's soul during the judgment.

Hunefer

A high-ranking scribe and priest of the 19th Dynasty, for whom the Book of the Dead was created to guide him in the afterlife.

Purpose of Artwork

To illustrate the judgment process in the afterlife and ensure Hunefer's safe passage to the afterlife, serving as a religious guide.

Reflection of Beliefs

The artwork reflects ancient Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife, moral living, and the concept of Ma’at as central to existence and the afterlife.

Current Location

The Last Judgment of Hunefer is housed in the British Museum in London.

Connection to Other Egyptian Art

The piece shares characteristics with other Egyptian funerary art, including symbolism, use of registers, stylized figures, and divine imagery.