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Papyrus inscribed with six "Osiris Liturgies"

Early Ptolemaic Period
ca. 332–200 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
This papyrus is dedicated to a Priest of Horus named Imhotep. Divided into 62 columns, it contains 6 separate texts, all designed to provide for the protection and glorification of Osiris, the divine ruler of the realm of the dead. Several of the texts here were originally composed for use in temple contexts, and have been adapted for use by Imhotep by the addition of his name. Imhotep and his father Psintaes (Pasherientaihet) were priests of Horus of Hebenu in Middle Egypt, and his mother Tjehenet was a musician in the cult of Hathor of Cusae, a principal deity of this area. Imhotep's coffins were found at Meir, the cemetery connected with Cusae; this papyrus and Imhotep's Book of Coming Forth by Day (35.9.20a–w) most likely come from his burial.

Link to a blog about this papyrus
A New Life for the Book of the Dead

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Papyrus inscribed with six "Osiris Liturgies"
  • Period: Early Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: ca. 332–200 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Probably from Middle Egypt, Meir, south part of the necropolis
  • Medium: Papyrus, ink
  • Dimensions: Approximate framed length 1120 cm (36 ft. 9 in.); height 23 cm (9 1/4 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1935
  • Object Number: 35.9.21a–o
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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