In Egyptian belief, Anubis holds significant importance as the god associated with embalming and the afterlife. Represented as a jackal or a man with a jackal's head, he oversees the mummification process and guides souls through the Duat (underworld). Anubis ensures that the deceased's journey is safe and assists in the critical weighing of the heart against the feather of Ma'at, determining the soul's fate. His role underscores the Egyptians' profound respect for the dead and the afterlife, demonstrating a belief in divine judgment.