Significance of Kher heb
Kher heb denotes a significant priestly role in ancient Egypt. They were present during important rituals such as the Lamentations of Isis and Nephthys. The Kher-heb, or chief officiating priest, would hold a papyrus roll during the opening of the mouth ceremony. This priest was responsible for reciting prayers and even accompanied the king, sharing remarkable events and holding a position of influence and respect.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Classical concept of 'Kher heb'
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) The Kher heb recited a praise to Osiris during the ceremony, specifically mentioning the KA and the presentation of the Tua and Shens cakes.[1] (2) The Kher heb is an individual who recites specific phrases during the ceremony while offerings are presented to the mummy.[2] (3) The Kher heb is a person who recites a specific phrase during the ceremony, indicating a role in officiating or narrating the ritualistic proceedings related to offerings.[3] (4) During the ceremony, the Kher heb recites a statement about the Eye of Horus being presented to Osiris Unas, highlighting the Kher heb's role in the ritual.[4] (5) An individual who stated that the Eye of Horus, which was chained by Set, had been presented to Osiris Unas during the Forty-fifth Ceremony.[5]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) The document describes the Kher-heb, or chief officiating priest, who held a roll of papyrus in his hand during the ceremony of opening the mouth.[6] (2) This priestly official went out with the king for a walk, and invited His Majesty to come and see for himself a wonderful thing which had happened to a man in his own days.[7]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) The two 'fair women' sang the sections of the Lamentations of Isis and Nephthys alternately in the presence of the Kher-heb and Setem priests.[8]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) It is the official title of the priest who recited the prayers.[9]