Skin in ancient Egyptian belief: Sacred texts and rituals

Renewal of life was central in ancient Egyptian belief and to gain rebirth and immortality was the main purpose. Egyptian must have observed snakes moulting their skin and created an immutable symbol of cyclic life and eternity. In this way human and animal skin played an important function in Egyptian cult and ritual. The so-called imiut element, also named “Anubis’ fetish”, was known since early dynasties and represented a stuffed skin of an animal, generally a feline one or a cow, stuck to a lotus flower, a well knew symbol related to rebirth rituals and kingship, planted in a pot. The deceased could hope in eternal life thanks to an animal sacrifice: through animal skin he could rebirth. Connection between skin and ritual was also present during Sed Festival, when Pharaoh attempted to renewal his life and reign also in rubbing his skin with sacred oil. Ancient Egyptian mythology offers some references to the importance of skin in religion. Skin as protection element was present in Osiris myth but was also a symbol of punishment for some gods as Seth and Anti who were flayed because of their crimes. In spite of this, other gods have restoring power over skin, which was also a way to preserve health against diseases or to give power: images of gods could be painted on skin to protect from illness or guarantee fertility. The purpose of the paper is to show meaning and function of skin during life and afterlife, within Egyptian religion and rituals, without fail to scan sacred texts and literature.