Egyptian False Door in The National Art Museum of Copenhagen, Denmark

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Human beings created a false door as a symbolic representation of a threshold between life and death in ancient cultures. These representations were carved into walls or painted on them, often serving as architectural elements in tombs. False doors appeared in various cultures, including Ancient Egypt, Pre-Nuragic Sardinia, Etruscan tombs, and Ancient Rome. The false door was believed to be a gateway between the worlds of the living and the dead, allowing deities or spirits to enter and exit. Typically, these doors were placed on the west wall of a funerary chapel or offering chamber, as the ancient Egyptians associated the west with the land of the dead. In many mastabas, both husbands and wives buried within had their own false door. False doors were usually carved from a single block of stone or plank of wood and featured a flat panel in the center surrounded by several pairs of door jambs that conveyed depth and illusion. A semi-cylindrical drum was carved above the central panel to mimic reed-mats used on real doors. The door's frame included moldings, lintels, and an offering scene depicting the deceased with offerings. In some cases, statues were placed in the central niche of the false door, representing the owners of the tomb. The object is part of the "Scan The World" initiative by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures and artworks for free public access. This community-driven effort encourages contributions from around the world through email at stw@myminifactory.com.