In ancient Egyptian beliefs, Anubis serves a crucial role concerning the afterlife. He is the god of mummification and the protector of graves, overseeing the weighing of the heart ceremony, which determines a soul's fate in the afterlife. Anubis is often depicted as a jackal-headed figure, highlighting his association with death and the spiritual journey beyond. His presence underscores the importance of burial rituals and moral judgment in ancient Egyptian culture.