What is ka?

Ka is an ancient Egyptian concept referring to one's vital essence or spirit. It is one of the five parts of the soul in ancient Egyptian belief, alongside the ba, akh, ib, and ren.

• Ka's Role: It is often described as a life force, and is believed to originate at birth and persist after death, as long as it has a place to reside such as the body or a statue.
• Sustaining the Ka: Egyptians provided offerings of food and drink to sustain the ka of the deceased, ensuring their continued existence in the afterlife. These offerings were often left in tombs.
• Iconography of Ka: The ka is often represented by two upraised arms.

It is important to note that understanding the ka fully relies on interpreting ancient Egyptian religious texts and archaeological findings, which can sometimes have varied interpretations.