Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
The South Chamber of the Osireion features intricate sculptural details on its east, south, and west walls, depicting the 168th chapter of the “Book of the Dead.” Initially, the arrangement may seem perplexing, but upon closer examination, a clear order emerges.
The entire chapter is dedicated to the king's worship of the gods of the twelve Qererts. Each section comprises a vertical line of inscriptions spanning from the top to the bottom of the wall, denoting the numbers of the Qererts. On one side of these vertical inscriptions are three kneeling figures of the king, presenting offerings, with three, four, or five short vertical lines of hieroglyphs above his head. On the opposite side of the long vertical inscription, representations of the gods associated with each Qerert are depicted. These typically appear in three registers, corresponding with the figures of the king, signifying offerings made by the king to each register.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
"The Northern Section of the Eastern Wall"
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
A long vertical inscription reads: "The deities presiding over the first Qerert in the Duat (Underworld). The deities of the second Qerert. The deities of the third Qerert. The deities of the fourth Qerert. The deities of the fifth Qerert. deities of the sixth Qerert.”
Adjacent to the inscription on the left side, three vertical scenes depict the king kneeling and presenting offerings, with five short vertical lines of hieroglyphs positioned above him.
On the right-hand side of the long vertical line, the gods of the six Qererts listed in the inscription are depicted. Within each Qerert, there are three deities: a male, a female, and another male. The deities of the first, third, and fifth Qererts are depicted as mummified figures, while those of the other Qererts are represented as living beings.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
The long vertical line of inscription extends from the top to the bottom of the wall, beginning with “The gods of the eighth Qerert.” Following this, there's a sentence with hieroglyphs reversed, reading: "Hail, O ye souls, weighing... distinguishing righteousness from evil." After a blank space, the hieroglyphs revert to their original order, stating: “The gods of the seventh Qererts.”
The reason for the reverse order of the two numbers, seven and eight, seems to be that the gods of the seventh Qerert consist of only three deities, similar to the immediately preceding ones, and they can only fit into the sculpture in that particular position .
the two long vertical inscriptions:-
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
1. Four men, each carrying a woman on his shoulder. "Fayu hert-sen," meaning "Those who carry their mistresses."
2. Four men, each carrying a man on his shoulder. “Fayu heru-sen,” meaning “Those who carry their masters.”
A vertical line of hieroglyphs reads: “There is offered to them a handful upon earth at the sacred pylon of Neb Zat.”
Four women lie on their faces with their hair falling down. The papyrus of Amenhotep provides the word "Nenyu," here shortened to "Nen," meaning "Those who give honor."
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
Three men and a woman lie on their faces, making offerings. They are referred to as "Kheryu Autu," meaning "The possessors of food offerings." Below them are two men and two women lying on their faces, with outstretched hands. Mr. Griffith suggests that the hieroglyphs may read, “The smitten of Ra,” and that what appears to be loose hair falling over the face is actually blood pouring down, resembling the hieroglyphic sign for Death. This explanation is quite probable, especially considering that two of the figures are men, for whom long hair would be inappropriate.
A vertical line of inscription reads: “There is offered to them a hin-measure upon earth when the body lives in Amentet. There is offered to them upon earth from the follower of the great God at the secret door.”
Additionally, there are three mummy figures depicted: a male, a female, and another male.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
Four men are depicted bending down so that their hands touch the ground. The hieroglyphs accompanying them are partially destroyed, but the name can be reconstructed from the papyrus of Amenhotep II as “Hefiu,” meaning “The humble ones.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
Four men are depicted supporting tall pillar-like objects. They are referred to as "Kheryu hotepu," which translates to "The possessors of offerings."
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
A vertical line of inscription extends from the top to the bottom of the wall, reading: “The gods of the ninth Qerert in the Duat, secret of forms, cutting off the winds (?).”
On the left side of the long vertical inscription, three vertical scenes depict the king kneeling and making an offering. Above him are four short lines of hieroglyphs.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
To the right of the vertical line, the scene unfolds as follows:
1. A god holding an uas-sceptre (or Was Sceptre), identified as Aha, meaning "He who is firmly placed."
2. A mummified figure named Sheta, signifying “Secret.”
3. A bull and a uraeus on a stand; the bull's name is partially destroyed, possibly indicating "... deg Asur," associated with Osiris.
4. A mummified figure without a name.
5. Another bull and uraeus on a stand named Ymen-Asar, translating to “Osiris is hidden.”
6. Below are two bulls with uraei on stands and two mummified figures, arranged alternately:
- The first bull is Ymen-Asar, “Osiris is hidden,” and the mummified figure is Hap.
- The second bull is Sesheta Asar, meaning “Making Osiris to be in secret,” and the mummified figure is apparently called Sheth.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
Here is the breakdown of the descriptions provided:
1. Two short vertical lines of hieroglyphs:
- (1) “There is offered to them a handful upon earth,
- (2) from him who belongs to the eastern people in the Duat.”
2. Two more short vertical lines of hieroglyphs:
- (1) “There shall be offered to them a handful upon earth from him who belongs
- (2) to the eastern people in the Duat.
3. A crocodile-headed god holding an uas-sceptre and an ankh; behind him are four mummified figures. Unfortunately, the inscription accompanying this scene is so mutilated that it cannot be restored from the papyrus of Amenhotep II.
4. Two short vertical lines of inscription, partially destroyed:
- (1) "[There is offered] to them a handful upon earth from a powerful one
- (2) ... every land, great of ..., chief of the Glorious Ones."
5. Four women kneeling on chairs; the first letter of the name is broken away, and in the papyrus of Amenhotep II, it is almost illegible. However, it may be S, for there is a word "Senen," which means "Image," and here the name is Senentyut.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
A jackal-headed god, identified by the name Anubis written above him, is depicted holding a human-headed staff in each hand. In the papyrus of Amenhotep, he is shown holding two heq signs.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
In the row below are described the following:
Four mummified male figures known as Shetayu, meaning "Those who hide the hand."
Four mummified female figures referred to as Shetayut, meaning "Those who hide the hand."
A god holding an uas-sceptre and an ankh, named Amen hau, translated as "Hidden of limbs."
Two short vertical lines of hieroglyphs:
"There is offered to them a handful upon earth. It is that the king Ba-en-Ra mer-Neteru
is among the hearers who are upon earth."
Four birds, each sitting on a tree, known as Bau peryu, meaning "The souls which go forth."
Four mummified figures referred to as Aryn nehaut, meaning "Those who belong to the sycomore trees."
Four men bending backward, identified as Shesepyu, meaning "Those who bend ."
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
A vertical line of inscription is repeated twice, stating: “They receive a hin-measure upon earth upon entering the secret places.”
. Twelve figures of Osirified gods are depicted within shrines. The hieroglyphs accompanying them indicate: “The deities housed in their shrines upon the sand.” Notably, a curved line spans from one side of the shrine to the other, suggesting an attempt to represent the curved inner part of the shrine itself.
Two vertical lines of inscription extend to the ground. They contain a single sentence repeated four times, indicating its relevance to the four rows of figures that follow. Each sentence initiates in the left-hand line and concludes in the right-hand line, occupying the same space as a single register of the gods to whom it pertains: “They receive offerings upon earth from a Glorious One residing in the secret chamber ( aryt) within the Duat."
Following this, four rows of twelve figures, alternating between male and female, are illustrated. The male figures hold uas-scepters and ankhs, while among the goddesses, six carry the ankh, with the remainder empty-handed. The hieroglyphs are consistent across each row, reading: “The gods and goddesses who accompany Osiris.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
At the top of the scene is the winged disk with horns and pendant uraei. The wings are positioned to fit the gable of the pent-roof; Although nearly half of the gable has been destroyed, the name of Ba-en-Ra mer-Ptah, the throne name of Merenptah, still remains between the two uraei. To the left, at the tip of the wing, is the name Behdet, identified by the city sign. Under the curve of the wing are the words, “May he give the sweet breezes of life.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
The entire wall is dedicated to depicting the inhabitants of the tenth Qerert. The inscription seems to begin with the typical long vertical line, which is followed by the depiction of the king making offerings. The inscription reads: “The gods of the tenth northern Qerert of the Duat, those who cry aloud, sacred of mysteries.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
To the left of the long vertical inscription, three vertical scenes depict the king kneeling and making an offering. The first and third figures are beardless, while the second one is bearded. Above them are four short lines of hieroglyphs.
To the right is a long vertical line of inscription: “There is offered to them a hin-measure upon earth from him who makes light in the secret place, repulsing the Sebyu-fiend on the day of, powerful in Amentet.”
Then comes:
1. Two rows of four standing men. The name is nearly destroyed.
2. Nine mummies laid upon biers. The hieroglyphs read Pat sau ymyu, meaning “The entire body of the sons who are within (?).” The word "Pat" is interpreted by Dr. Budge to mean "mass" (like a cake or dough), implying "the entire body," for example, Pat neteru would signify "the entire body of the gods."
3. Thirty-one figures in a walking attitude, but lying horizontally. They are paired, except for those at the top left-hand corner where there are three together. Above them is written Bau kheperyu em Asar, translating to “The souls who become as Osiris.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
A vertical line of inscription extends from the top to the bottom of the wall, reading: “When transformations are made in Amentet, his soul, let it go forth for its refreshment, those who are therein (ie, in Amentet) let them praise Ra when he goes forth upon earth.”
Following this inscription:
1. Eight women are depicted holding an object in their left hand, raised above their heads. In the tomb of Ramses VI, the object is replaced by a net, and in papyrus No. 10,478 of the British Museum, the object is painted blue and resembles a hatchet-shaped vessel from which water is pouring. The name associated with them is mostly destroyed.
2. Eight standing men are depicted: “Those who belong to the Glorious One.”
3. Eight mummified figures are shown from whose mouths water is pouring. They are named Pat ymenu a, meaning "The whole body of the hiders of the hand." Behind them stands a woman named Shent, who is likely the goddess Shenty. She is commonly represented in the form of a cow, and the chapels dedicated to her are where some of the Osirian mysteries are celebrated.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
The West Wall:
The entire wall is dedicated to depicting the inhabitants of the eleventh Qerert. A vertical line of inscription reads: “The gods of the eleventh northern Qerert. He that covers the fainting one, concealing [his] secret places.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
The West Wall (South Half):
On the right side of the long vertical inscription, there are three registers depicting the king kneeling and making an offering. Above the first register at the top, there are four short lines of hieroglyphs, while above the other two registers, there are three short lines of hieroglyphs each.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
To the left, there is a vertical line of inscriptions spanning the entire height of the wall. It reads: “There is offered to them a handful upon earth from a Glorious One going in and going out unto the day. It is that the king Ba-en-Ra mer-Neteru, true of voice, makes transformation as his heart desires in the Underworld.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
(1) The god Yqeh is depicted standing and holding an uas-scepter and an ankh.
Nine gods are portrayed lying either on or beside serpents on biers. They are identified by the name Pat ymiu-khet, meaning "The whole body of those who follow."
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
A vertical line of inscription states: A vertical line of inscription states: “There is offered to them a handful upon earth from a soul who follows Ra.” Nine figures lying on biers are labeled Pat heq Yment, meaning "The whole body of the rulers of Amentet."
Another vertical line of inscription reads: “There is offered to them a handful upon earth [when] entering the pylon of the Sacred Land.”
Three small registers depict:
- In the upper register, there are four men with their arms raised, known as Heknyu, meaning “The Praisers.”
- In the middle register, four standing men are depicted, referred to as Bau ta, “The Souls (?) of the Earth.”
- In the lowest register, a man stands holding an uas-scepter and an ankh; he is named Ba Amentet, meaning "The Soul of Amentet." Behind him stands a woman treading on a snake.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
(2) Nine jackals (2) Nine jackals are depicted on stands of the shape that are always used for divinities. These jackals are named Neteru resyu, meaning "The gods, the watchers."
A vertical line of inscription extends to the ground, stating: “It is that the king Ba-en-Ra mer-Neteru, true of voice, son of the Sun, Lord of diadems, Hotep-her-Maat Merenptah, is true of voice before Osiris Khenti-Amentiu.”
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
Nine women Nine women are depicted lying on their faces with their hair falling down and their arms raised. The hieroglyphs accompanying them read Pat ykebyu, which translates to “The whole body of mourners.”
A man is portrayed A man is portrayed standing with a raised hand in an attitude of declamation; he is referred to as Nys-ta (?), meaning “Summoner of the earth.” Below him stands another figure holding an uas-scepter. His name is represented by the reed leaf, which reads as Y, while the determinatives include a statue and a papyrus roll.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
- A snake with a woman's head - A snake with a woman's head, identified as Zesert-tep, meaning "Sacred of head." Behind her are four mummy bearded figures, referred to as "Those who are with the Sacred of head."
- Another snake named Reny (referred to as Meheny in the papyrus of Amenhotep), behind which stand four figures whose names are unknown.
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
Following the vertical inscription Following the vertical inscription already translated above, there are nine figures of men depicted in a curious bending attitude, with their faces turned upwards. They are titled Pat Ymen Asar, which translates to "The whole body of the hidden of Osiris." Behind them stands a mummy figure called Hetem, meaning "Destroyed of face."
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| Unveiling Discoveries in the South Chamber |
The last section of theThe last section of the West Wall (North Half) consists of a vertical line of inscription that extends the
entire height of the wall. It reads: "The gods of the twelfth northern Qerert in the Duat. The offerings of the gods."
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To the far right, there are three registers depicted as follows:
1. The king, who is kneeling and making an offering, is positioned at the top. Above him are five short vertical lines of inscription.
2. The king is shown kneeling and offering fruit and cakes. Above him, there are four short vertical lines of inscription.
3. Another scene depicts the king kneeling and making an offering. Above him, there are four short vertical lines of inscription.
To the left of the long vertical inscription, there are three registers, arranged from right to left.
(1) “Speech of the Son of the Sun, Lord of Crowns, Hotep-her-Maat Merenptah, true of voice. I come before you, Lord of the Sacred Land, Osiris, Ruler of Eternity. I make what thy ka desires in the land of the living.
(2) Speech of the king, Lord of the Two Lands, Ba-en-Ra mer-Neteru, true of voice. I come before you. Lord of Eternity, Unnefer, son of Nut. I make for the offerings (?) very great. I know that which belongs to thy table of offerings (?) on account of it.
(3) Speech of the Son of the Sun, Lord of Crowns, Hotep-her-Maat Merenptah, true of voice. I come before you. Lord of Amentet, Osiris, great of soul in the Duat. I have driven out evil from the earth in order to satisfy my heart every day.
(4) Speech of the King, Lord of the Two Lands, Ba-en-Ra mer-Neteru, true of voice. I come before you. Lord of the Underworld, Lord of Eternity (neheh). Ruler of the Dead. I increase for thy ka the offerings consisting of bread and beer, oxen and fowls.”
(1) “Speech of the Son of the Sun, Lord of Crowns, Hotep-her-Maat Merenptah, true of voice. I come before you, Osiris, Lord of Abydos. I establish thy cycle in the cities of the nome.
(2) Speech of the King, Lord of the Two Lands, Ba-en-Ra mer-Neteru, true of voice. I come before you, Osiris, Lord of Deddu. I bring unto you breath for thy nostril, life and strength for thy beautiful face.
(3) ........... Hotep-her-Maat Merenptah, true of voice. I come before you, Osiris .......... [I make] for you sacrifices every day. I know that you live by means of them.
(4) .............I (cast down) my enemies under them.”
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مرحبا بكم فى دعم فنى انترنت نشكركم على التعليق سوف يتم الرد خلال دقائق .