Writing an Ancient Egyptian Afterlife, in 21 Feet of Scroll

The article explores the process of writing an ancient Egyptian afterlife in the format of a 21-foot-long scroll, similar to the famous "Book of the Dead." The author, Daniel E. Slotnik, an obituary writer at The New York Times, was invited to participate in a workshop at the Brooklyn Museum, where he learned the techniques used by ancient Egyptian scribes to create these intricate funerary texts. The article highlights the meticulous process involved, including the use of specialized pens, pigments, and layouts to capture the complex religious and mythological themes. Slotnik's experience provides a glimpse into the skill and dedication required to produce these elaborate scrolls, which were intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife. The article underscores the enduring fascination with ancient Egyptian culture and the ongoing efforts to preserve and understand its traditions, even through modern interpretations and creative exercises like the one Slotnik participated in at the Brooklyn Museum.