Interpretation of the scenes of Amun in the tombs of Gebel el-Mawta at Siwa

Abstract EN

Two scenes appeared in the tombs of Gebel El-Matwa (one in the tomb of Si-Amun and the other in the tomb of the crocodile) representing a ram-headed figure holding a knife in his hand.

This figure was interpreted by all the scholars who dealt with Siwa tombs as god Amun.

This could be related to the fact that god Amun was the main deity in the Oasis.

However, it is unusual to see god Amun holding knife in his hand.

As long as no inscription survived that could deciphere the figure, the researcher aims at pointing out that this figure could be a demonic gatekeeper of the netherworld.

Those gatekeepers facilitate the deceased's passage through the gates of the Netherworld to reach the goal of joining Osiris.

They were mentioned in the Book of the Dead and used to be represented on the walls of tombs.

They were depicted as animal-headed figures, either sitting or standing and holding weapons in their hands, especially knives.