The Anubis symbol is the jackal-headed image of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife. It represents protection of the dead, guidance of souls through judgment, and the balance between life and death, and it appears throughout Egypt on tomb walls, sarcophagi, and temple carvings as a black jackal or a man with a jackal’s head.
Key Takeaways
- Anubis was known as “Inpu” in ancient Egyptian and predates Osiris as ruler of the underworld — he originally held that role before becoming the divine embalmer and guide of souls.
- The color black on Anubis symbolized regeneration and the fertile soil of the Nile, not death itself.
- Anubis was shown as a jackal because jackals were commonly seen near cemeteries, linking him to protection of graves.
- Tomb art shows Anubis guiding souls to judgment before Osiris, where the heart was weighed against the feather of truth, tied to the Egyptian concept of divine order (Ma’at).
- His image appears on sarcophagi and tomb entrances, and can still be seen at sites including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Origins and Meaning of the Anubis Symbol
Anubis, known as “Inpu” in ancient Egyptian, dates back to the earliest dynasties — before Osiris became ruler of the underworld, Anubis himself held that title. As Egyptian mythology evolved, Anubis became the divine embalmer and guide who prepared souls for their journey to the afterlife. He is often shown holding a flail or scepter, conveying authority, purity, and divine justice. Statues and carvings of the symbol adorned sarcophagi and tomb entrances to help ensure safe passage through the underworld, visible today at temples such as The Temple Of Seti and tombs in the The Valley Of The Kings.
Anubis and the Judgment of the Dead
Wall paintings at sites including the Abu Simbel Temples and burial chambers in the Valley Of The Queens show Anubis guiding the soul toward judgment before Osiris. In these scenes the heart was weighed against the feather of truth, reflecting the ancient Egyptian belief in moral accountability under Anubis’s watch. Statues and amulets of Anubis are preserved at The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization and the The Egyptian Museum Of Cairo.
Why a Jackal
The Anubis symbol extends beyond its role in judgment scenes: it captures the Egyptian belief in eternal life and divine order (Ma’at). Jackals were commonly seen frequenting cemeteries, which gave rise to Anubis’s role as protector of graves, and to the many artistic renditions still visible in tombs across the country. At the Dandara Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, priests used hieroglyphics and sacred symbols including Anubis, often engraved near entrances, to ward off evil spirits and protect the deceased on their way to the afterlife.
Where to See the Anubis Symbol in Egypt
Anubis imagery appears widely across Egypt’s temples and tombs, from carvings at The Grand Egyptian Museum to tombs across Luxor City. A Egypt tour with Nile cruise passes funerary temples from Luxor to Aswan, while a luxury Egypt tour package can include private visits to the Temple Of Philae in Aswan City, where Anubis imagery still decorates ancient sanctuaries. The Sakkara Necropolis, home to the oldest stone pyramid, has richly decorated tombs featuring Anubis, as does the Temple Of Hatshepsut. A best Egypt tour for families or a general Egypt Tour Packages itinerary, or the Best Nile River Cruises and Egypt adventure tour options, can be built around these stops with a guide explaining the meaning behind Anubis, Horus, and Osiris.
Modern Use of the Anubis Symbol
Today the Anubis symbol continues to appear in jewelry, tattoos, and artwork, including souvenirs sold near Khan Al-Khalili Cairo. Guided Ancient Egypt Tours cover the symbolism behind these designs and how it shaped one of the world’s oldest civilizations across more than 5,000 years.
Preserving the Legacy
Museums and archaeological missions continue to uncover new representations of Anubis, adding to what is known about burial practices and spiritual customs — see What Are The New Discoveries In Egypt? for recent finds. Travelers can build a custom route to these sites through A Guide To Custom-Made Trips To Egypt (Tailor-Made Itineraries).
FAQs About the Anubis Symbol
1. What does the Anubis symbol represent?
The Anubis symbol represents the god of mummification and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. It symbolizes protection, guidance of souls, and the balance between life and death.
2. Where can I see the Anubis symbol in Egypt?
You can see depictions of Anubis in temples and tombs across Egypt, especially at the Valley Of The Kings, Temple Of Hatshepsut, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
3. Why is Anubis depicted as a jackal?
Anubis is shown as a jackal because jackals were often seen in cemeteries. The Egyptians believed this animal protected graves and symbolized divine guardianship.
4. How can I learn more about Anubis and other Egyptian gods?
Joining specialized Ancient Egypt Tours or visiting museums like The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization is the best way to deepen your understanding of Anubis and his role in Egyptian mythology.
5. Is the Anubis symbol still used today?
Yes, the Anubis symbol continues to appear in art, jewelry, and popular culture as a representation of protection and transformation, reflecting the timeless fascination with ancient Egyptian spirituality.
