Protecting the body

Unlike today when the dead are often cremated, the ancient Egyptians believed that the body had to be preserved after death to ensure eternal life. They also believed the body had to be protected from evil forces with amulets (protective charms), ceremonies and prayers. The coffin was an important part of this protection.

Images for protection

The people believed that the prayers and images of gods painted on the coffin had spiritual power to protect the body. They often painted the goddess Nut inside the coffin, waiting to wrap her arms protectively around the body. Coffins also provided a barrier against anything that might attack the body, such as wild dogs.

Coffins for protection

Early coffins were almost-square wooden boxes. Later coffin makers made them longer and rectangular. Artists often decorated the coffins with magic spells to protect the body and to provide what was needed for everlasting life. About 4,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians started to make anthropoid (mummy-shaped) coffins that represented Osiris, to ensure rebirth. He was the mummified god who died and was reborn.

Fashions for coffin decoration changed over time. About 4,000 years ago they were quite plain. By about 3,200 years ago, they were covered inside and out with images of gods linked to the idea of rebirth and protection, and prayers for the dead.