Anubis

Anubis is the ancient Egyptian god of mummification and the protector of the dead. He is pictured as a figure with the head of jackal, a dog which would patrol tombs, guarding artifacts and ancestors, and making sure everything (and everyone) is treated with respect.

Ancient Kemet (Egypt) was collecting records and establishing the ancient roots of the archival field much earlier than other civilizations (according to Itibari Zulu. See references!) It makes sense that this zeal for the preservation of records and objects of cultural significance would be reflected in their deities. Anubis's protection of the dead is still an important principle for archivists today, especially when they handle sensitive or culturally significant materials.

Archivists often work with records that aren’t just old papers or files — they’re pieces of people’s lives and require informed care especially when from marginalized communities or moments of historical trauma. Take, for example, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Archivists there preserve everything from survivor testimonies to photographs and documents, ensuring these stories are accessible for education, accountability, and remembrance.

Another big responsibility is managing community-centered archives. As Michelle Caswell points out in her article, "Teaching to Dismantle White Supremacy in Archives," archivists have to think about the power dynamics in what gets saved and how it’s shared. It’s about giving agency back to the people whose stories are being told and making sure they’re represented in ways that honor their experiences.

And let’s not forget places like the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission archives, which hold survivor testimonies from apartheid. These records don’t just sit on a shelf—they’re used for justice, healing, and keeping memory alive (Society of American Archivists, 2023).

Looking to Anubis for his example, Archivists can relate not only his connection with the dead but also how he stands in trust of their stories and records. To quote one of my favorite poems, Anubis draws Archivists to "hold high converse with the mighty dead." (Thomson) His instruction shows archivists the importance of staying in coversation with the materials they preserve. Who do they serve? What is the broader impact at stake? Do they just reflect the voices and perspectives of those who are loudest in the history books? Its not just about saving records, protecting the dead means more than standing sentinel. It's about doing so in a way that honors the people behind the records and ensuring their legacy is well preserved for future generations. This means navigating tough questions about privacy, ethical use, and cultural senstivity, all while staying focused on the core mission:keeping memory alive in the most thoughtful and intentional way possible.