Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! Today ππππ³ we are going to be looking at the word/phrase “A Voice Offering βπ.”
π is classified as a composite hieroglyph πΉπ. A composite hieroglyph πΉπ is a single hieroglyphic symbol that is actually a combination of multiple symbols! The individual symbols do not lose their phonetic meaning when they become the composite hieroglyph πΉπ, instead they combine to just make a multi-consonant symbol! Composite hieroglyphs πΉππͺ can be phonograms, ideograms, or determinatives too!Β
While a lot of the composite hieroglyphs πΉππͺ are combinations of two π» symbols, βπβ is actually a combination of four π½ symbols! I like to think of composite hieroglyphs πΉππͺ as a math equation:
π = π + π€ + π + π
Here is the modern name, (and sound value in parentheses) designated to each of the symbols that are part of π:
π – House Plan (pr)
π€ – Oar (αΈ«rw)
π – Bread (t)
π – Beer Jug (usually a determinative like in this case, but can be hnw on occasion)
π would be pronounced like βprt-αΈ«rw.βΒ
In terms of meaning, βπβ is classified as an ideogram (a single symbol that takes on the meaning of a full word) for the phrase βinvocation offeringβ or βvoice offeringβ and is a part of the standard offering formula that is seen on stelae ππ ±ππΈπͺ, false doors, sarcophagi ππΉππππͺ/coffins π΄π ±πππ±π¦ and other funerary equipment πππ΄πππ.Β
You can read my full translation for the sarcophagus pictured above here. You can also watch the video of the translation here!
Why are bread π and beer π highlighted in such a popular inscription that persisted for thousands of years? Bread π and beer π were pretty much the staples of the ancient Egyptian diet and they needed enough food π¬ππ ±ππ₯ in the Duat πΌπΏππ too!
π Is definitely a great symbol to recognize because it is very common and part of a very common inscription. The pictures ππ ±ππ¦ in this post are both from Middle Kingdom sarcophagi ππΉππππͺ at the MET.
These are my personal photographs and original text. DO NOT repost.