Book of the Dead Keyring

A keyring inspired by the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.<br> <br> &#8216;Book of the Dead&#8217; is a modern term for a collection of magical spells that the Egyptians used to help them get into the afterlife. These spells were written on papyrus and originate from Hunefer, a scribe writing in Egypt around 1280 BC. the text was accompanied by drawings that illustrated the spells.<br> <br> This charm keyring features a section from these papyri and is ideal as a small history gift. The British Museum is printed on the reverse - a subtle indicator of its exclusivity.

Exclusive to the British Museum, a metal keyring featuring a scene from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead of Hunefer. 

About the Book of the Dead:

Ancient Egyptian ‘Books of the Dead’ played an important part of the journey from death to the afterlife. They contained magical texts, ‘spells’ and illustrations, and were often written on papyrus. This section of the Book of the Dead of Hunefer (circa 1280 BC) shows two priests carrying out the Opening of the Mouth ritual. The scene features the mummy of the scribe Hunefer, supported by the god Anubis. Hunefer’s wife and daughter are shown mourning. The white building to the right represents the tomb, complete with a portal doorway and small pyramid. Both of these features can be seen in real Theban tombs from around the time of Hunefer. To the left is an image of a stela (an inscribed upright pillar).

The papyrus of the 19^th Dynasty Book of the Dead of Hunefer is housed in the British Museum where it can be seen on display in the ancient Egyptian galleries.

An ideal souvenir of one of the key artefacts from the British Museum's ancient Egyptian collection.