Religious Artifacts

Religion has been a very important role in people's lives all through history and even today. These 12 artifacts show how religion was viewed over the years. Whether they were for an Egyptian priest or a Native American shaman these objects have played a key role in history.  

Mummy of Hornedjitef (2000000-9000 BCE)

This is the mummy of an Egyptian priest who was buried in an ornate coffin. Examining his body using CAT scans and X-rays showed that he was a mature man when he died. This coffin was made from wood and was 194 centimeters tall. When ancient Egyptians died they believed they were going on a journey from Earth to the afterlife. The process of mummification and elaborate coffins allowed them to move on to the next world. This coffin is decorated with images of gods and extracts from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The sky goddess Nut is painted symbolically showing Hornedjitef in her womb ready to experience rebirth.

Maya Maize God Statue (2000000-9000 BCE)

This Mayan maize god statue was found in a temple in modern-day Honduras and was surrounded by many other maize gods. It was carved from stone and is 90 centimeters tall. In Mayan religion the maize god was decapitated at harvest time but reborn at the beginning of a new growing season. This helped explain the cycle of the seasons and the return of maize which Mayan civilisation depended on.

Chinese Zhou Ritual Vessel (1100-300 BCE)



This ritual vessel has been decorated with large tusked animal heads swallowing birds. It was made from metal and is 23 centimeters tall. Respect for ancestors has been a central part of Chinese culture for many years and this vessel helped to show that. It was used for offering food to ancestors because it was believed that those who made the sacrifices were ensured survival and success.

North American Otter Pipe (1-600 AD)

This otter pipe was made by Native Americans living in what is now Ohio.  It was made from stone and is 5 centimeters tall. A shaman smoked it for religious reasons such as to show the otter as a representative of his clan, or possibly as a spirit guide who would then help the shaman on a spiritual journey. This pipe was one of over 200 found in a burial mound.

Seated Buddha from Gandhara (200-600 AD)

This early depiction of the Buddha shows him in an enlightened state in the lotus position. It was carved from stone and is 94 centimeters tall. The way his hands are positioned show that he is revealing the dharma, also known as his teachings. This statue would have been placed in front of a domed structure enclosed on the Buddha's ashes, also called a stupa. Many people would have contemplated the Buddha's teaching by this statue.

Arabian Bronze Hand (200-600 AD)

This hand was given as an offering to the pre-Islamic Yemenis god Talab Riyam. It was formed in bronze and is approximately 19 centimeters long.  The right hand was seen as a sign of good luck and the writing on the hand seems to be asking for well-being.  The man who dedicated it was named Wahab Talab and it is believed that since he shared a name with the god he was of a very high status.