Gemstones in The Book of The Dead: Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
Ancient Egyptians held strong beliefs about the afterlife, viewing death not as an end but as a transition to a new existence. To ensure a smooth journey, they filled tombs with protective amulets, sacred texts, and symbolic objects, including gemstones.
The Egyptian Book of the Dead, a scroll filled with instructions and spells to guide the deceased, includes references to several gemstones, each thought to carry specific powers and meanings.
While no two copies of the Book of the Dead are exactly alike, each scroll seems to have been tailored to the individual, with different spells and guidance certain gemstones appear repeatedly. I thought it would be interesting to explore a few of those stones and the roles they played in the Egyptian vision of the afterlife.
Lapis Lazuli: The Stone of the Gods
Lapis lazuli, known as khesbed in ancient Egyptian texts, was one of the most revered gemstones. Believed to connect the wearer to the divine, it was often used in amulets shaped like the Eye of Horus, offering protection and insight.
The Book of the Dead mentions that a lapis lazuli amulet should be placed on the deceased’s neck to invoke the favour of the gods and ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
Carnelian: The Essence of Life
Vibrant and fiery, carnelian symbolized vitality, power, and protection. It was commonly used in the Tet amulet, a symbol of stability associated with Osiris, the god of resurrection. This red-orange stone was believed to infuse the wearer with life force, ensuring strength and endurance in the afterlife.
Turquoise: A Gift from Hathor
Turquoise, called mehenet by the Egyptians, was associated with joy and divine favour, particularly linked to the goddess Hathor, the protector of the dead. Turquoise was often included in burial jewellery, ensuring the deceased’s happiness and protection in the celestial realm.
Malachite: The Green Fields of Eternity
Malachite, with its rich green hues, was connected to regeneration and paradise. The afterlife was sometimes described as the Field of Malachite, a lush and fertile land where the soul would dwell forever. This stone symbolized eternal renewal and healing, helping the deceased transition peacefully.
Green Feldspar: The Heart’s Guardian
A lesser-known yet significant gemstone, green feldspar (possibly amazonite) was linked to the heart scarab, an amulet placed over the deceased’s heart. This was vital during the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, where the deceased’s heart was judged against the feather of Ma’at (truth).
The gemstone’s role was to silence the heart, preventing it from testifying against its owner and securing a favourable judgment.
Red Jasper: Strength and Protection
Red jasper, connected to Osiris, was used in magical spells for protection and endurance. This deep red stone was believed to ward off evil spirits and give strength to the deceased as they navigated the challenges of the underworld.
Obsidian: A Shield Against Evil
Though not frequently mentioned in copies of the book of the dead, black stones like obsidian were associated with protection and absorbing negative energy. Eye inlays in statues and funerary masks were sometimes crafted from obsidian, representing watchful protection over the dead.
A Legacy of Sacred Stones
For the ancient Egyptians, gemstones were more than just beautiful adornments, they were powerful tools for ensuring safe passage to eternity. Whether protecting the soul, securing divine favour, or symbolizing eternal renewal, these stones played a crucial role in the sacred journey to the afterlife.