رمزية الأشكال المصورة فى بعض أماكن دفن أوزوريس

Abstract

This paper explores the burial place of Osiris in Egyptian textual record from New Kingdom and from later sources. The examination of individual components of Osiris's burial place shows, on one hand, that there was no strict layout/design for Osiris's burial place, and, on the other, how carefully elements of the Osiris-myth were employed in Osiris's burial place. Some common features can be noticed in all studied examples, like the vault-like shape of the mound. Conversely, the studied examples show inconsistencies. Most notable is the representation of Apophis being slaughtered outside the mound of Osiris in the Book of Earth. The 'mound' of Osiris could also be identified with designations which could reflect theological connotations as, for example, kkw "darkness" in the Amduat. Also, trees and plants were remarkably used in post-New Kingdom: Edifice of Taharqa, Tomb of Hu, Philae and Dendera temples. The discussion of how these trees, Sycamore, Willow, Tamarisk, and Acacia, were related to Osiris underpins the regenerative role of the selected trees. In one instance, water libation was poured towards the sycamore tree, which is obviously associated with Osiris, in the temple of Philae. In a couple of examples, Isis and Nephthys, the two kites, were represented: once in avian and another in humanoid form. Gathering these elements which have been studied individually, it is clear that, though distinctive from each other, these representations form together a larger image of Osiris's burial place.