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Why were illustrations included in Egyptian Book of the Dead papyruses?

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Ancient Egyptian illustration from the Book of the Dead showing Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, with gods seated above and hieroglyphic text throughout. — Egyptian art and architecture Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, c. 1275 bce.

In ancient Egypt, illustrations were included in Book of the Dead papyruses to serve as essential magical and protective aids for the deceased during their journey into the hereafter. These papyruses contained collections of spells and formulas intended to guide the dead through the perils of the underworld and ensure their success at the divine tribunal, or judgment, presided over by Osiris.12

The practice of including these drawings, which were often painted, flourished from the 18th dynasty onward. These vignettes were not merely decorative; they functioned as blueprints for immortality, reinforcing the power of the accompanying texts to help the deceased navigate obstacles, such as portals or the "Island of Fire," and to achieve a successful transition from a mortal to an immortal condition. The high level of professional skill involved in these illuminations reached a peak around 1300 BCE, most notably in the papyrus of the scribe Ani, where the integration of text and image provided a comprehensive guide for the deceased to secure their place in the afterlife.324