As god of embalming and the dead, the afterlife and lost souls, Anubis is one of the most prominent and mystical gods of ancient Egypt. He was known since the earliest periods in the history of the civilization that was based near the Nile River.
This god was first mentioned during the First Dynasty period, but it is possible that future research may show that he was present even before then. It is interesting to note however, that the name “Anubis” was unknown before the Greeks arrived in Egypt. In the ancient Egyptian language, he was called Anpu or Inpu. This name has the same root as a word which means ‘a royal child.’ Moreover, it is also related to the word “inp”, meaning “to decay”. Anubis was also known as “Imy-ut” (“He Who is in the Place of Embalming”) and “nub-tA-djser” (“lord of the sacred land”).
The Anubis plant, with its broad green leaves and ancient Egyptian namesake, has become a popular and mysterious addition to aquariums and aquatic gardens. But where did this plant actually originate from? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind the discovery and cultivation of the Anubis plant.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
The journey to uncover the true origins of Anubis begins with a case of mistaken identity. In 1849, the English botanist Richard Spruce embarked on an expedition to South America and collected specimens of an aquatic plant along the Rio Negro in Brazil. He named this plant Anubias barteri, after the British merchant Sir William Barter who funded his expedition.
For many years, Spruce’s discovery was thought to be the original Anubis plant. However, further research revealed that the species Spruce collected was in fact a different, though related, species of the Anubias genus. It would take another eight years before the real Anubias barteri was found.
The True Anubias Revealed
In 1857, the German botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott conducted his own explorations throughout West Africa. It was here, along the rivers and wetlands of Cameroon that he discovered the aquatic plant we know today as Anubias barteri. Recognizing it as a new species Schott gave it the name we still use.
Schott chose the name Anubias after the jackal-headed ancient Egyptian god Anubis, known as the guardian of cemeteries and the god of embalming. He likely selected this name because of the plant’s dark blackish-green leaves that reminded him of preserved mummies.
So while Spruce’s Anubias was not the true original, Schott’s work established the Anubias barteri as the foundation for the Aquarium plant we cherish today. His discovery revealed the plant’s true origins in the rivers and wetlands of West Africa.
Uncovering the Native Habitat
With the origin of the species finally uncovered, botanists continued to research the native habitat and growing conditions preferred by Anubias barteri. They found the plant grows best in the low-light conditions along river banks, slow moving streams, swamps, and forest floors throughout Central and West Africa.
Specifically, native populations can be found in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon where the climate provides warm water temperatures and high humidity. By evolving to grow in mostly shaded areas, Anubias barteri is uniquely adapted to thrive in the dimly lit environments of tropical aquatic ecosystems and aquariums.
Early Cultivation and Uses
Once introduced to the aquatic plant trade in the early 1900s, Anubias barteri quickly became a popular aquarium plant. Its ability to grow in low light, and without substrate, made it ideal for aquascapes and paludariums.
Additionally, many African cultures traditionally used Anubias barteri for medicinal purposes. The leaves and roots can be crushed and applied topically to treat skin wounds and infections. Compounds in the plant may also have anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for diseases like rheumatism.
While aquarium hobbyists coveted Anubias for its resilient nature and lush aesthetic, traditional healers relied on the plant for its therapeutic benefits. Both uses contributed to the growing fame and distribution of Anubias barteri.
Modern Cultivation
Today, Anubias continues to be one of the most popular aquatic plants with over 20 known cultivated varieties. It is commercially grown emersed in nurseries across Asia and exported around the world.
For home cultivators, Anubias can be grown fully submerged or partially above water as long as the roots have access to moisture. The slow-growing plant thrives between 22-28°C (72-82°F) in neutral to acidic water conditions.
Anubias requires little maintenance, adapts readily to aquarium life, and provides beneficial filtration effects for fish habitats. It’s no wonder aquarists consider it a staple plant, just as rewarding and undemanding to grow now as it was a century ago.
The Enduring Legacy
The journey to discover the origins of Anubias barteri was marked by twists and turns. False starts gave way to dead ends until finally, in a remote wetland in Africa, the true species was found. While recognition and cultivation spread, Anubias never forgot its ancient roots. Passed down from generation to generation, traditions using the plant as medicine continue in remote areas of Africa.
Now, with its mythology-inspired name and Egyptian-god namesake, Anubias barteri brings an exotic, mystical appeal to aquarium plantscapes around the world. The rich history behind its origins, uses, and mythology give Anubias barteri a timeless, enduring legacy cherished by aquarists across generations. So as you gaze upon its flowing green leaves, remember you look upon a living relic with a story as rich as the Nile itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anubias Plants
Still have questions about growing and caring for Anubias barteri? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
Can Anubias grow without CO2 injection?
Yes, Anubias is a low-light plant that can grow well without supplemental CO2 injection. However, adding CO2 may help it grow quicker.
Is Anubias safe for fish and invertebrates?
Absolutely! Anubias is non-toxic and provides excellent habitat for shy fish and invertebrates. The broad leaves give them plenty of places to hide and explore.
Can Anubias be planted into substrate?
Technically yes, but planting in substrate risks rotting the rhizome over time. Instead, attach Anubias to hardscape like driftwood or rocks using fishing line or super glue.
How often should I fertilize Anubias?
Anubias is a slow feeder, so frequent fertilization usually isn’t necessary. But you can apply root tabs or liquid ferts once every 2-4 weeks to maintain robust growth.
Why are my Anubias leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency or lighting issues. Ensure ample micronutrients and trace elements are available and that light levels are in the optimal range.
In Summary
Reaching back across time, Anubias barteri connects us to both ancient traditions and modern aquarium technology. Unraveling its mysterious origins took generations of discovery, correction, and persistence by early botanists. Now carried forward by aquarists, the ancient, resilient qualities of Anubias endure while bringing a touch of living history to our underwater gardens.
A God Without Temples
To date, archaeologists have not unearthed any monumental temple dedicated to this god. His “temples” are tombs and cemeteries. The major centers of his cult were located in Asyut (Lycopolis) and Hardai (Cynopolis). His name appears in the oldest known mastabas (mud-brick tombs) of the First Dynasty and several shrines to the god have been found. For example, a shrine and a cemetery of mummified dogs and jackals was discovered at Anubeion, a place located to the east of Saqqara. It seems that during the reign of the first dynasties he was even more significant than Osiris. This changed during the Middle Kingdom period, but Anubis continued to be one of the most important deities.
Anubis was one of the deities that could also work against humans. He was independent, sometimes helpful, but sometimes punished humans as well. One of his main roles was The Guardian of the Scales. This was related to the belief that after death a person meets the gods who put his or her heart on a special scale. The scenes of the weighing of the heart ceremony from the Book of the Dead present Anubis – who measured if the person was worthy enough to live an eternal life. Thus, Anubis could decide the soul’s fate.
The Egyptian god Anubis (a modern rendition inspired by New Kingdom tomb paintings) (GFDL)
The god Anubis was usually depicted as a jackal and sometimes as a man, but he was always in black, which was a color connected with desolation and rebirth. Anubis had a female counterpart named Anput, and a daughter, who was the serpent goddess Kebechet. He was also associated with the god Upuaut (Wepwawet), another deity with canine features.
Anubis was also the patron of lost souls, including orphans. During the Greek period, he was associated with the god Hermes. The Greeks created a composite deity called Hermanubis as well. They decided to combine Hermes as a messenger of the gods with Anubis who guided the dead to meet them. Over time, Hermanubis became related to Herpokrates in the eyes of the Romans – a popular god for alchemists and philosophers during the Renaissance.
Statue of Hermanubis, a hybrid of Anubis and the Greek god Hermes (Vatican Museums) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The most famous of Anubis’ shrines found to date was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62). Now it is located in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (JE61444). It was found behind the un-walled entrance which led to the Store Room. The shrine was located near the canopic chest, which still contained its jars.
The Guardian of the Dead
Anubis’ main roles were embalming the body, guiding the soul, and protecting the tomb. According to an Osiris myth, he helped Isis embalm her husband. Due to this story, the priests who worked during the mummification process wore masks with a jackal face. Moreover, the legends say that when Osiris was killed by Set his organs became a gift for Anubis. This started a tradition of offering him some parts of the dead. Real jackals were prone to digging bodies out of shallow graves and eating them. Ancient Egyptians made Anubis the guardian of cemeteries and the god of embalming to turn a negative force into a positive one.
According to Geraldine Pinch:
For centuries, people believed that tomb robbers would be punished by Anubis as he was the guardian of the dead. Moreover, it was believed that good people would be protected by him and their eternal life would be peaceful and happy due to his care.
Anubis received many additional powers and attributes from modern popular culture. The mysterious god became a popular character in books, video games, and movies during the 20th and the first years of the 21st centuries. Modern artists often imagine Anubis’ powers as something more sinister than Ancient Egyptians did. His bad reputation was created by fear and for modern entertainment value.
In the past, there was a belief that people didn’t have a choice over their destinies, but there was hope that the jackal god would allow them to enter the afterlife and enjoy it forever.
Top : Illustration of Anubis statues Source: MiaStendal / Adobe Stock
Geraldine Pinch, Magic in Ancient Egypt, 1994. Richard H. Wilkinson, The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, 2003. Jadwiga Lipińska, Marek Marciniak, Mitologia starożytnego Egiptu, 1986. Gods of Ancient Egypt: Anubis, available at: http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/anubis.html Section:
Natalia Klimczak is an historian, journalist and writer and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the Faculty of Languages, University of Gdansk. Natalia does research in Narratology, Historiography, History of Galicia (Spain) and Ancient History of Egypt, Rome and Celts. She… Read More