124 Coffin with Two Ways

Museum Description: The Book of Two Ways

Room: 63/Case: 4/Number: EA 30839

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:5

Two paths to the underworld are painted on the inside of this coffin, for the person’s spirit to follow.  Notice the 'eyes of Horus' painted on the outside.  In fact, you can see these on the outside of every Egyptian coffin here.  They were thought to allow the spirit to pass through and leave the coffin.

The Egyptians had an elaborate belief in the immortality of the soul.  They believed that there were several other aspects of their being. The 'ka' was a spiritual copy of the physical body. The 'ba' could be likened to a person’s character or personality.  The 'akh', “germinated” from the mummy as magic spells were said over it, and would then live in the underworld with the gods.  What a contrast to the simple truth in the Bible that "the dead know nothing at all"!  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.