A Story of an Ancient Egyptian Mouse - Vymazalova - 2016

This contribution presents an interpretation of a unique discovery of a mouse burial, which was found inside the sarcophagus of an Egyptian priest, Neferinpu, dating to the third millennium BC. The careful placement and linen covering of the mouse seems to indicate that it was an intentional artifact within the burial of the priest. Interpretations of this find lead us to the religious symbolism of mice and shrews in ancient Egypt, associated with the solar cult. The symbolism and importance of shrews and mice in the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians is well documented from later periods of Egyptian history, when they were often mummified and placed in little coffins.

Keywords

Ancient Egypt ‒ Abusir ‒ Fifth Dynasty ‒ Neferinpu ‒ Mouse ‒ Shrew

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