Model of the "Opening of the Mouth" ritual equipment ca. 2465–2150 Old Kingdom The small stone tray holds models of objects required for the Opening of the Mouth ceremony. This rite reanimated the deceased or animated a statue so that it could eat, breathe, see, hear, and otherwise enjoy everything offered to it. The forked instrument was touched to the mouth of the deceased's mummy or statue; it symbolically restored the individual's capability of independent existence. In addition to the implement, this set includes replicas of the vessels with which the newly revived spirit was offered

Model of the "Opening of the Mouth" ritual equipment ca. 2465–2150 Old Kingdom The small stone tray holds models of objects required for the Opening of the Mouth ceremony. This rite reanimated the deceased or animated a statue so that it could eat, breathe, see, hear, and otherwise enjoy everything offered to it. The forked instrument was touched to the mouth of the deceased's mummy or statue; it symbolically restored the individual's capability of independent existence. In addition to the implement, this set includes replicas of the vessels with which the newly revived spirit was offered milk (a baby's first source of nourishment), salt water (used for cleansing), and fresh blades (see ) were included in burials throughout the Predynastic cutting edge is the V-shaped notch. Although the implement's exact purpose is unknown, there is persuasive evidence that it was used at birth to cut the umbilical cord and was placed in the grave to assist its owner's rebirth into the Model of the "Opening of the Mouth" ritual equipment. ca. 2465–2150 Tray: limestone; vessels: Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), greywacke. Old Kingdom. From Egypt. Dynasty 5–6

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