Shaman and Afterlife

Learning Goal:

Describe ways people found

connections between the living and spirit worlds.

Shamans

Physical World

&

Humans

Spirit World

&

Gods
👤

Shamans

​Don't forget to write the heading in your notebook!

Who are Shamans?
● Shamans are people
● They are believed to have special powers and abilities

● Serve as a bridge between the physical and spirit worlds

● Communicate with spirits and deities

(gods)

Example: Sami Shamans

● The Sami lived in Scandinavia
● Sami shaman used drums to make contact with the spirit world

● Sami believed the shaman were protected by animal spirits on their journey to the spirit world and back

● The shaman would enter a trance during this experience

Example: Peruvian Shaman

Why does Quexo think
he needs to hold a
ritual? What does he
want to stop from
happening?

Open Ended

Why does Quexo think he needs to hold a ritual?  What does he want to stop from happening?

Example: Peruvian Shaman

Why does Quexo start to
panic?

Open Ended

Why does Quexo start to panic?

Example: Peruvian Shaman

What was Quexo’s role
in his community as a
shaman?

Open Ended

What was Quexo's role in his community as a shaman?

Why did shaman contact the spirit world?
● To ask the spirits for help

○ Good weather
○ More animals to hunt
○ Cures for illness

● To ask for answers about the future or the unknown

● To help guide “regular” people through

spiritual experiences

Shaman’s healing powers
● Shaman were seen as healers
● Used herbal remedies, rituals and prayers to heal

● Many people still believe in “alternative” medicine today, in
addition to modern medicine

Ancient Egyptians & the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptians believed that
death was a temporary phase. If they were prepared, people
would be able to cross through
the underworld and reach the
afterlife. Let’s find out how
Egyptians prepared.

Mummification

One vital aspect of preparing for the
afterlife was mummification. The ancient
Egyptians believed that the preservation of
the body was crucial to ensure the soul's
survival in the afterlife. Mummification was
a complex process that involved removing
the internal organs (except the heart},
drying the body, and wrapping it in linen
bandages. Jewelry would be placed on the
mummified body.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the
god Anubis invented mummification
to protect the dead.

The Book of the Dead

Ancient Egyptians relied on texts known as
the Book of the Dead to guide the deceased to the afterlife. These texts were filled with spells, prayers, and instructions to help the soul navigate the dangers it would
encounter. The Book of the Dead was often
written on papyrus scrolls and buried with
the deceased to assist them on their journey.
There was not just one book - they were
individualized. We know about the books
because they have been found and
translated.

A Book of the Dead that was found
in a tomb.

What challenges does Ani face on his journey to the afterlife?

Open Ended

What challenges does Ani face on his journey to the afterlife?

Weighing the Heart

The Egyptians believed that their
heart would be weighed. If it was
heavy with sin, they could not
continue their journey. Some of
the 42 laws included:

- I have not stolen.

-I have not closed my ears to truth.

-I am not deceitful.

Tombs and Pyramids

To protect the body and provide a resting place for the deceased, the ancient Egyptians built elaborate tombs and pyramids. These structures were not only a final resting place for the physical body but also served as a gateway to the afterlife. The pyramids, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, were built for Pharaohs, while tombs were constructed for nobles and common people. These structures were filled with treasures and items necessary for the afterlife journey.

Look back at your notes

Do you have the key information?
Did you add your own connections, ideas and analysis?