Ancient Egyptian Art: The Reasoning Behind Burying the Dead with Treasure. Scholars, artists and educators have always been great admirers of ancient Egyptian art; however, the idea that art is only made to function as art did not exist in ancient Egyptian times. Each artifact found was created for a purpose and to serve as something figuratively or symbolically within ancient Egyptian culture. Specifically, the treasures often found within an Egyptian tomb are the most elaborate and significant. The ancient Egyptians had an intricate tradition of funerary customs that they believed were necessary to ensure their reincarnation after death. The ancient Egyptians had a very complex polytheistic religion that played huge importance within their culture. They developed funerary concepts based on their polytheistic beliefs. Everything the ancient Egyptians had done in their lives determines whether or not they will gain the ability to reincarnate. To help reinsure that they reach the afterlife; they surround themselves with objects that help them on the journey after death. There is a whole process of mummification of the body before it is even placed in the tomb with these funerary objects. There are two stages in the mummification process (Egyptian mummy example above). When an important figure passes by, the body must be embalmed. The body is washed with palm wine and then rinsed with water from the Nile River. Next, an incision is made and the organs are removed, washed in natron, and placed in sacred vessels called canopic jars (example pictured below). A large hook is used to remove the brain through one nostril. The body is then covered and padded with tape......medium paper......changed. They became known as Hem (servants or slaves) and were intended to help fulfill all the duties that the deceased had to perform during his journey to the afterlife. Numerous ushabti would have been packed in sacred boxes inside the tomb. There is no doubt that scholars, artists and educators are undoubtedly amazed by the immense collection of treasures that are constantly found in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians. There is real meaning and story behind every artifact found; Collectors still see these priceless objects as works of art, and many forget that they once served their primary purpose in the afterlife. Everything in ancient Egyptian culture was intended to serve the highest deities and gods. They created treasures to ensure their lives meant something, and many forget to reflect on the purpose of art or an object in general.