False door

myminifactory

This is a stunning Egyptian false door, seamlessly integrated into the west wall of a tomb chapel. As the epicenter of the cult of the deceased in ancient Egypt, it served as a vital link between two realms: the world of the living and the realm of the dead. Eager visitors would converge upon this sacred site to recite prayers and leave offerings for the departed spirit, allowing its soul to effortlessly pass through the door. The inscriptions on this magnificent door honor the priest Iryenakhet (ee-ree-en-AH-ket), who is proudly depicted a total of seven times. At the heart of this composition stands a central niche, masterfully framed by two sturdy door jambs and a lintel that adhere to a strict symmetry. Unlike traditional Egyptian writing, which flowed from right to left with hieroglyphs facing right, these hieroglyphs on the right jamb boldly face left (just as do the figures), inviting all eyes towards the niche. This remarkable object was meticulously scanned by the Minneapolis Institute of Art.