Inside the inner coffin of Neskhonsu

Inside the inner coffin of Neskhonsu

The coffin of Neskhonsu. Egyptian sarcophagi depict stories and incantations to help the deceased pass to the afterlife. Inside the coffin of Neskhonsu are two foxes one facing right and one facing left. Near the top the foxes represent the god Anubis. The powerful deity began associating foxes and other canines with the god of funerals. This association began sometime during prehistoric times with the god Anubis the Fox One of the earliest funeral gods in Egypt it remained a prominent symbol in Egyptian religion becoming a symbol of the gods of the land of the dead during the predynastic period. 

Coffin of Nesykhonsu / image : https://www.clevelandart.org

The god of funerals the guide to the underworld in ancient Egyptian religion was depicted in the predynastic period approximately 5200–3100 BC and appears in early written documents. The guardian of the grave and guide to the underworld in ancient Egyptian religion was often depicted as a dog or a man with a dog's head. This figure was particularly important in the mummification rituals of the fox-headed god of embalming and the afterlife. Ritual image of two baboons facing each other. Along with the Ankh symbol on both the left and right sides of the baboon Wadjet the ancient Egyptian goddess and protector of the pharaohs is crowned with a white crown.

Inside the inner coffin of Neskhonsu

The cobra goddess or snake goddess in the world of the living originated as the patron deity of the city of Dep in Lower Egypt. She is closely associated with the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus each representing a powerful protector. On the inner sarcophagus of Neskhonsu. The baboon with its hands raised to receive the sun symbolizes sun worship. Inside the sarcophagus of Neskhonsu it is also associated with the god Babi and strength in the afterlife. It is a fierce and aggressive animal associated with the power of the deceased. It was domesticated and symbolized as a social status symbol not merely a sacred animal. It is often depicted and sculpted as a symbol in art representing the gods in funeral rites.