Egyptian Art

Anubis (Inpew, Anpu) was the ancient Egyptian God of the underworld who guided and protected the spirits of the dead.  He was known as the "Lord of the Hallowed Land" The workship of Anubis was even older than the worship of Osiris.  Anubis was generally depicted as a black jacakal-headed man, or as a black jackal (since the Egyptians would have noticed jackals prowling around the graveyards, so the link between the animal and the dead was formed in their minds).  Anubis was also seen as the deity of embalming as well as the god of the dead.

An ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents the concept of life. It is also known as the key of life, the key of the Nile, or crux ansata (Latin for “cross with a handle”). The ankh was often depicted in the hands of the gods and goddesses, as well as the pharaohs and other prominent figures. It was also used as an amulet to protect the wearer from harm and to ensure eternal life after death.

The ankh is usually made of gold, which was considered a divine and indestructible metal by the Egyptians. Gold symbolized the sun, which was the source of life and power. The ankh’s shape resembles a cross with a loop at the top, which may represent the sun rising over the horizon, or the union of male and female principles. The ankh’s shining appearance reflects its sacred and luminous nature. It is a sign of hope, joy, and prosperity for the living and the dead.