Papyrus of Ani

The Papyrus of Ani, a papyrus manuscript in the form of a scroll with cursive hieroglyphs and color illustrations, was created during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt, around 1250 BCE. Egyptians compiled an individualized book called the Book of Going Forth by Day, more commonly known as the Book of the Dead, for certain people upon their death. This book typically contained declarations and spells to help the deceased in their afterlife. The Papyrus of Ani is the manuscript compiled for the Theban scribe Ani.

The scroll was discovered in Luxor in 1888 by Egyptians trading in illegal antiquities, and it was acquired by E. A. Wallis Budge, as described in his autobiography By Nile and Tigris. Shortly after Budge first saw the papyrus, Egyptian police arrested several antiquities dealers and sealed up their houses, one of which contained the objects Budge had purchased from the dealers. Budge distracted the guards by offering them a meal while locals tunneled under the house's walls to retrieve the objects, including the Papyrus of Ani. Stored in several custom tin boxes, the papyrus and other objects Budge had acquired were then smuggled to the principal librarian at the British Museum. Budge was afterward paid a 150GBP "gratuity" from the British Treasury on behalf of the British Museum for acquiring the papyrus.

The Papyrus of Ani is a significant historical and cultural artifact, as it provides insight into the beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians. The scroll's detailed illustrations and hieroglyphic text offer a glimpse into the afterlife beliefs and rituals of the time. The acquisition of the Papyrus of Ani by Budge, despite the questionable circumstances, has ensured its preservation and made it accessible to scholars and the public for further study and appreciation.

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