Praying+Mantis

The Praying Mantis in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Ab'yt// ("Dancer")

In ancient Egypt the Praying Mantis was thought to be a helpful creature, destroying the harmful locust, and serving as a guide to the deceased during their journey through the Duat. During the excavations at Deir el Medina, B. Bruyere discovered a small, somewhat anthropomorphous coffin made of clay which contained the remains of a praying mantis wrapped in linen.

The Insects of Ancient Egypt