The Joseph Smith Papyri (JSP) are Egyptian funerary papyrus fragments from ancient Thebes dated between 300 and 100 BC which, along with four mummies, were once owned by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Smith purchased the mummies and papyrus documents from a traveling exhibitor in Kirtland, Ohio in 1835. Smith said that the papyrus contained the records of the ancient patriarchs Abraham and Joseph.
A portion of the Joseph Smith Papyri
Reconstructed papyri from existing and known fragments
Aerial view of Theban Necropolis, east of Luxor, where it is believed Antonio Lebolo excavated the Joseph Smith Papyri
One of the Theban Tombs where Lebolo was believed to have excavated
Joseph Smith Jr. was an American religious leader and the founder of Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement. Publishing the Book of Mormon at the age of 24, Smith attracted tens of thousands of followers by the time of his death fourteen years later. The religion he founded is followed to the present day by millions of global adherents and several churches, the largest of which is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Portrait, c. 1842
Smith said he received golden plates from the angel Moroni at the Hill Cumorah.
Emma Hale Smith, who married Joseph Smith in 1827.
Cover page of the Book of Mormon, original 1830 edition