The symbolism of the foreleg (xps)‎ amputation in ancient Egypt as an offering

Abstract EN

The animals were important to the ancient Egyptians and a number of animals were considered as deities completed with personalities and attributes.

Animals were also important for food and the meat held a special place in the hearts of the ancient Egyptians and in their diet.

The foreleg was called “xpS”.

This foreleg is represented on the walls, the ceilings of the tombs and on the offering tables.

The amputation of the foreleg is considered one of the most significant scenes that had been depicted and this study helps to explain why the ancient Egyptians gave much attention to the foreleg, even before it was cut and presented as an offering.

Also, the paper studies the astronomical symbolism of the foreleg “xpS” that appeared in the texts as Ursa Major, a circumpolar constellation in the northern sky and one of the prominent constellations in the sky and also focuses on the other name for Ursa Major termed “Msxtyw” and the appearance of the foreleg as a determinative in the name of “Msxtyw”.

The paper also concentrates on the role of the foreleg in the ritual of the Opening of the Mouth and its association with the four Sons of Horus and god Seth.

The constellations “Msxtyw” or the foreleg “xpS” was also used to express the daily cycle of regeneration of the deceased.