Malcolm Mosher Jr

The Book of the Dead, Saite through Ptolemaic Periods Malcolm Mosher Jr

This is the first volume of a new series concerning ancient Egyptian Books of the Dead (BD) produced from the Saite Period down to the end of the Ptolemaic Period. The study focuses on the different versions of the texts and the illustrations that make up the spells contained in the Book of the Dead. More importantly, analysis of these versions reveals that there were at least ten traditions for the Book of the Dead, where the documents produced from one of these traditions typically have the same versions of texts and illustrations or vignettes. A single and general tradition was used during the Saite Period, and it was also used later in Ptolemaic Memphis. In the area of ancient Thebes, however, we have evidence for nine different traditions during the pre-Ptolemaic and the Ptolemaic Period, many of these likely produced in different workshops in the greater Theban area. By comparing the differences between the various versions and traditions, one often has a glimpse into Egyptian thinking and what was important to them. Volume 1 starts with a lengthy introduction that identifies the different traditions, the documents produced from those traditions, and likely dates for when those traditions were in use. The methods and conventions used throughout the entire series are outlined. The main portion of Volume 1 is devoted to translations (with transliterations) and accompanying discussions. Specifically, each version of each spell from BD 1 through BD 15i is translated, where the set of spells from BD 1 to 14 consists of general collection for helping the deceased go forth by day, an Egyptian expression for achieving life after death, and BD 15a through 15i consist of nine hymns to different aspects of the sun-god. The differences between the versions are highlighted with different color coding for fast recognition, and each spell is accompanied by a discussion on the differences between the versions of the text and other points of interest, such as subsets of documents that have unusual variations. Similarly, for those spells that were accompanied by vignettes, the different versions of the illustrations are identified, followed by discussions on their significance with respect to the texts. Numerous photographic facsimiles provide firsthand access to examples of the texts and illustrations. For the general reader a short glossary of names and places found in Volumes 1 to 3 is included at the end. This series is primarily aimed at the Egyptological community, but the translations and illustrations may be of interest to the general reader with curiosity about the spells, what they represent, and what was of value to the ancient Egyptians.