Benu bird in the Private tombs of Deir El-Medina during the New Kingdom

The scene of the Benu bird in the private tombs of Deir el-Medina during the New Kingdom is regarded as one of the most significant religious representations. It embodies Spell 83 of the Book of the Dead, known as “The Spell of Taking the Form of the Benu Bird.” Its depiction reflects the desire of the deceased to transform into this bird, which opens the way for a peaceful passage to the “Beautiful West” and brings the elements of life to the realm of the dead, as it represents the soul of Ra. In this context, Osiris also assumed the form of the Benu, highlighting the New Kingdom’s recognition of the connection between Ra and Osiris; thus, the Benu could also be considered the soul of Osiris. The Benu bird was represented on the walls of the chapels (TT6, TT7), as well as on the walls of burial chambers in (TT1, TT218, TT265, TT290, TT323, TT359, TT360). In TT265, the bird appears within the context of Spell 17 of the Book of the Dead. Scenes also portray the deceased worshipping the bird in (TT7, TT218, TT290, TT359), presenting offerings in (TT6, TT360), and depicting the bird in a boat in (TT7, TT218, TT290, TT359).