Archaeological Museum of Bologna

In Egyptian grave goods is sometimes inserted a papyrus, terracotta, wood or bronze disc, called hypocephalus from Champollion onward, because it is placed under the head of the deceased to ensure the integrity and the vital heat forever. The texts and the representations that appear above are taken from chapter 162 of the Book of the Dead, which corresponds to the "Formula to give birth a flame under the head of the blessed."

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The texts and depictions of the Bologna papyrus specimen, which belonged to the priest of the god Thot, Pa-sheri-Khonsu, are from the Book of the Dead, a magical-religious work intended to help the deceased on the difficult journey in the afterlife.

Provenance: Unknown provenance. Palagi Collection
Datation: 26th - 30th- dynasty (664 - 342 BC)
Material: papyrus
Dimensions: diam cm 14,5
Inventory #: EG 2025