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Reading Hieroglyphs

Scribal Palette Translation

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at a piece titled β€œModel of a Scribe’s Palette Inscribed for Amenhotep.”

Scribal Palette

While this was not a scribal palette π“ π“ˆ–π“‰”π“†“π“ž that was used during this person’s life, it is dated to the 18th Dynasty reign of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Amenhotep III π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“‹Ύπ“‹†. Since Amenhotep was a popular name π“‚‹π“ˆ– at the time, many people including pharaohs, shared this name π“‚‹π“ˆ–! This piece is made of the chemical sedimentary rock travertine, which is more commonly known as alabaster 𓍱!Β 

We are going to be translating the right side of the scribal palette π“ π“ˆ–π“‰”π“†“π“ž first! Also if you are new here, please know that I do all of the translations myself!Β 

Here is the full inscription on the right side: π“‡“π“™π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“Ήπ“Š¨π“€­π“…π“ˆ–π“π“­π“‹€π“π“π“ˆŠπ“ŠΉπ“‰Όπ“ŽŸπ“‚‹π“€π“¬π“¦π“ˆ‰π“„ͺπ“π“‡Œ π“π“‚‹π“Œπ“π“‡― π“„Ÿπ“‹΄π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“Š©π“Ήπ“‡“π“žπ“„“π“‰π“€π“€—π“π“ π“ˆ–π“„€π“‰΄π“Š–π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“€Ό

Scribal Palette

π“‡“π“™π“Š΅π“π“Šͺ – An Offering the King Gives

π“Ήπ“Š¨π“€­ – Osiris

π“…π“ˆ–π“π“­ – Foremost of

π“‹€π“π“π“ˆŠ – West

π“ŠΉπ“‰Ό – The Great God

π“ŽŸ – Lord of

π“‚‹π“€π“¬π“¦π“ˆ‰ – Rosetau

π“„ͺπ“π“‡Œ – Venerated

Scribal Palette

𓐍𓂋 – Before 

π“Œπ“π“‡― – Nut

π“„Ÿπ“‹΄ – Child of, Born of

π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ – Gods

π“Š©π“Ή – The Osiris

π“‡“π“ž – King’s Scribe / Royal Scribe / King’s Secretary

𓄓𓉐𓏀𓀗 – Overseer

𓐝 – of

π“ π“ˆ–π“„€π“‰΄π“Š– – Memphis

π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“€Ό – Amenhotep 

The full inscription reads: β€œAn Offering the King Gives Osiris, Foremost of the West, the Great God, Lord of Rosetau, Venerated before Nut, Born of the Gods, The Osiris, the Royal Scribe, Overseer of Memphis, Amenhotep.” 

It is very interesting to see both forms of the god Osiris’ name in the same inscription (π“Ήπ“Š¨π“€­ and π“Ήπ“Š©). This is done because the second variation of the name in the inscription indicates that the deceased person (Amenhotep π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“€Ό) has become β€œThe Osiris π“Ήπ“Š©β€ in death and has been reborn in the netherworld. This is ver common in funerary texts, and both men and women would be referred to as β€œThe Osiris π“Ήπ“Š©.”

We are going to be translating the left side of the scribal palette π“ π“ˆ–π“‰”π“†“π“ž now!

Here is the full inscription: 

π“‡“π“™π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“Ήπ“Š¨π“€­π“ŽŸπ“Š½π“Š½π“Š–π“‹Ύπ“Š΅π“›π“‹π“ƒ€π“ˆ‹π“Š–π“ˆ–π“„ͺπ“π“‡Œ π“π“‚‹π“‰‘π“ŽŸπ“π“ˆ–π“‰”π“π“†­π“ŽΊπ“π“ˆπ“π“ˆ‰π“‹€π“π“π“ˆŠπ“Š©π“Ήπ“‡“π“žπ“„“π“‰π“€π“€—π“π“ π“ˆ–π“„€π“‰΄π“Š–π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“€Ό

Scribal Palette

π“‡“π“™π“Š΅π“π“Šͺ – An Offering the King Gives

π“Ήπ“Š¨π“€­ – Osiris

π“ŽŸ – Lord of

π“Š½π“Š½π“Š– – Djedu

π“‹Ύ – Ruler

π“Š΅π“› – Peace/Grace 

π“‹π“ƒ€π“ˆ‹π“Š– – Abydos

π“ˆ– – in/by

π“„ͺπ“π“‡Œ – Venerated

Scribal Palette

𓐍𓂋 – Before 

𓉑 – Hathor

π“ŽŸπ“ – Lady 

π“ˆ–π“‰”π“π“†­ – Sycamore

π“ŽΊπ“ – Mistress

π“ˆπ“π“ˆ‰ – Roads of Horus/Desert Road

π“‹€π“π“π“ˆŠ – West

π“Š©π“Ή- The Osiris

Scribal Palette
Screenshot

π“‡“π“ž – King’s Scribe / Royal Scribe / King’s Secretary

𓄓𓉐𓏀𓀗 – Overseer

𓐝 – of

π“ π“ˆ–π“„€π“‰΄π“Š– – Memphis

π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“π“Šͺπ“€Ό – Amenhotep 

The full inscription reads: β€œAn Offering the King Gives Osiris, Ruler of Peace in Abydos, Venerated before Hathor, Lady of the Sycamore, Mistress of the West Roads of Horus (?), The Osiris, the Royal Scribe, Overseer of Memphis, Amenhotep.”

This side of the scribal palette π“ π“ˆ–π“‰”π“†“π“ž gave me a tiny bit of trouble for three reasons:

  1. The phrase β€œRuler π“‹Ύ of Peace π“Š΅π“›β€ is an iffy translation for me and I don’t know if it’s one word or two or something totally different!Β 
  2. This variant of β€œAbydos π“‹π“ƒ€π“ˆ‹π“Š–β€ is one I do not see a lot at all and I had to look it up! Usually Abydos is written as β€œπ“‹π“ƒ€π“ˆ‹π“Š–β€ and while the one symbol difference may not seem like a big difference sometimes it can be! At quick glance it looked like β€œEast π“‹π“ƒ€π“π“ˆ‰β€
  3. After β€œMistress π“ŽΊπ“β€ the hieroglyphs are very hard to read and I am totally guessing here! Upon first glance it looked like β€œDesert π“ˆ‰ Road π“ˆπ“β€ which does not sound right to me?! I had to consult my trusty dictionary and the phrase β€œRoads of Horus π“…ƒπ“ˆπ“π“π“ˆ‰β€ was there and it looks like it could be a variant of that too. The second one is probably more accurate due to the association between Hathor and Horus.Β 

I guess this was a glance into my thought process! It goes to show that no matter how much you study or learn, translating hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ will always present fun and unique challenges! I’m posting my thoughts and challenges with the text to show that everyone goes through this while translating and if you’re learning now and struggling it’s okay!Β 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Miniature Mask for a Canopic Bundle

This beautiful 𓄀𓆑𓂋 piece, called a β€œMiniature Mask for a Canopic Bundle” has a lot of contradictory information about it – the MET website and books both have different information about it! The MET website dates this piece to the reign of Amenhotep II π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“π“Šͺ (18th Dynasty) and this piece is in Gallery 119, which is not where it should be based on the books!Β 

Miniature Mask for a Canopic Bundle
The “Miniature Mask for a Canopic Bundle” on display at the MET

The books I have talk about how this piece was found in the Embalming Cache of Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“. An embalming cache is a collection of the supplies and materials that were used during the mummification π“‹΄π“‚§π“π“…±π“Ž process. The embalming cache was usually kept separate from the actual tomb π“‡‹π“«π“Šƒπ“‰ itself, though sometimes these supplies were found in the tomb π“‡‹π“«π“Šƒπ“‰ of the person. 

But what exactly is a β€œMiniature Mask for a Canopic Bundle” and what is its purpose? Sometimes, small mummy masks were placed on mummified internal organs 𓇋𓂧𓂋𓄹𓏦 and then placed in larger jars. However, all of Tutankhamun’s π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ organs 𓇋𓂧𓂋𓄹𓏦 were placed in mini canopic coffins in his tomb π“‡‹π“«π“Šƒπ“‰, so the purpose of this lone miniature mask is quite confusing – what was it doing in his Embalming Cache?

This mini mask (it’s just over 5 inches in height) is made of cartonnage (a material composed of linen and plaster – like an ancient Egyptian paper mache) and the paint 𓇨𓂋𓅱𓏭𓏸𓏦 colors on it are still strikingly bright! I love the details of the red π“‚§π“ˆ™π“‚‹π“…Ÿ, blue 𓇋𓁹𓏏𓄿𓏸π“₯, and blue-green 𓇅𓆓𓏛 broad collar π“…±π“‹΄π“π“ŽΊπ“‹ and the nemes π“ˆ–π“…“π“‹΄ head cloth! The lotus flowers 𓆸𓆸𓆸 and the vulture, who represents the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ Nekhbet π“‡‘π“ƒ€π“π“…π“ŽŸ(protector of Upper Egypt and its rulers) are also beautiful 𓄀𓆑𓂋 touches!

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Early Dynastic Turtle Art

Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to look at some Early Dynastic art which is dated to c. 3100 – 2650 B.C.E. Both of these pieces represent turtles π“ˆ™π“π“…±π“†‰π“¦! I want to give a shoutout to my friend Matt (@archaeoresearch on Instagram) for inspiring me to look at these pieces more closely!Β 

While not as popular as some iconography, throughout Egyptian history, in the early dynastic periods turtles π“ˆ™π“π“…±π“†‰π“¦ took the form of vessels, palettes π“π“Šƒπ“π“†±π“¦, and even game boards π“‡‹π“²π“π“Š‘π“„›π“¦! I love how the ancient Egyptians adopted the natural shape of the animal and incorporated it into their objects!Β 

Turtles
The “Turtle Figurine” (left) and the “Turtle as a Votive Mehen Game” (left)

The piece on the right is β€œTurtle as a Votive Mehen Game.” Mehen π“Ž”π“ˆ–π“†— was a popular game π“‡‹π“²π“π“Š‘π“„›π“¦ during the Old Kingdom and persisted from c. 3,000 B.C.E. to about c. 2,300 B.C.E. The game board usually consists of a coiled snake π“‡‹π“‚π“‚‹π“π“†˜, however in this case, the turtle’s shell contains the concentric circles that is used as the game board!Β 

Turtles
The “Turtle as a Votive Mehen Game”

The piece on the left is referred to as a β€œTurtle Figurine” and not much is written about this piece at all! It’s smaller than the Mehen Turtle, and does not have the circles on it!Β Β 

Turtles
The “Turtle Figurine”

While we don’t have much information about the views on turtles π“ˆ™π“π“…±π“†‰π“¦ during the early dynastic period, in later religious views, turtles π“ˆ™π“π“…±π“†‰π“¦ were seen as an ambiguous force because they were creatures of both land 𓇾 and water π“ˆ—. 

Turtles π“ˆ™π“π“…±π“†‰π“¦ were also seen as the enemy of Ra 𓇳𓏺𓁛, and in chapter 162 of the Book of the Dead, it is stated that β€œMay Ra live, and may the turtle die.”

If you are interested about turtles π“ˆ™π“π“…±π“†‰π“¦ in ancient Egypt, there is a great publication from the MET that you can read here!

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Video

Statuette of Amenhotep III (Video)

Did you know that more statues π“„šπ“ˆ–π“π“­π“€Ύπ“ͺ of Amenhotep III π“‡³π“§π“Ž  have survived compared to any other 18th Dynasty pharaoh 𓉐𓉻? One of the more interesting ones is this statuette of Amenhotep III π“‡³π“§π“Ž !

@ancientegyptblog

Did you know that more statues π“„šπ“ˆ–π“π“­π“€Ύπ“ͺ of Amenhotep III π“‡³π“§π“Ž  have survived compared to any other 18th Dynasty pharaoh 𓉐𓉻? This is a very interesting statuette of Amenhotep III π“‡³π“§π“Ž ! Amenhotep the III π“‡³π“§π“Ž  was the father 𓇋𓏏𓀀 of the infamous pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–. Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ– was originally named Amenhotep IV π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“ŠΉπ“‹Ύπ“Œ€, until he changed his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– to reflect the Aten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³ and his change to the Egyptian religion. The first thing that struck me about this statuette was the artistic style. It seems to be very grounded in realism, which is odd because most pharaohs 𓉐𓉻𓏦 wanted to be depicted as being in peak physical condition. It also illustrates some aspects of Amarna-style art, such as the previously mentioned realism and the sagging/exaggerated belly. This piece almost seems to be a precursor to the Amarna-style. I find these transition-type pieces so interesting because it seems like the Amarna-style art came out of nowhere, however, pieces like this show us that was not the case. The statuette is made of ebony wood 𓆱𓏏𓏺 and has glass inlaid eyes 𓁹𓏏𓏦 and eyebrows. It consists of the pharaoh standing on a base, and the base contains hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ. The hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ on the base are thought to refer to one of Amenhotep III’s π“‡³π“§π“Ž  Heb Sed π“Ž›π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“‚§π“π“Ž±π“‡³π“ͺ festivals (he ruled for 38 years). The Heb Sed Festival π“Ž›π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“‚§π“π“Ž±π“‡³π“ͺ, also known as the β€œ30 Year Jubilee,” was meant to celebrate the 30th year of a pharaoh’s 𓉐𓉻 reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“ and then subsequent years afterwards. The hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ on the base also contain errors, which means it is probably of non-royal production. The exact purpose of the statuette is unknown, but it is thought that it could have been used in a household shrine 𓉐𓏺 to the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻. Household 𓉐𓏺 statues/shrines actually became popular during the reign of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–. This would also support the idea that this was of non-royal production. Follow me to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, Egyptian mythology, art, culture and more! This is my personal video and original text. DO NOT repost. #ancientEgypt #egyptology #egyptianhistory #egyptianmythology #anticoegitto #brooklynmuseum #amenhotepiii #akhenaten #ancientegyptblog

♬ original sound – ancientegyptblog Nicole Lesar

This is a very interesting statuette of Amenhotep III π“‡³π“§π“Ž ! Amenhotep the III π“‡³π“§π“Ž  was the father 𓇋𓏏𓀀 of the infamous pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–.  Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ– was originally named Amenhotep IV π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“ŠΉπ“‹Ύπ“Œ€, until he changed his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– to reflect the Aten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³ and his change to the Egyptian religion. 

The first thing that struck me about this statuette was the artistic style. It seems to be very grounded in realism, which is odd because most pharaohs 𓉐𓉻𓏦 wanted to be depicted as being in peak physical condition. It also illustrates some aspects of Amarna-style art, such as the previously mentioned realism and the sagging/exaggerated belly. 

This piece almost seems to be a precursor to the Amarna-style. I find these transition-type pieces so interesting because it seems like the Amarna-style art came out of nowhere, however, pieces like this show us that was not the case. 

The statuette of Amenhotep III π“‡³π“§π“Ž  is made of ebony wood 𓆱𓏏𓏺 and has glass inlaid eyes 𓁹𓏏𓏦 and eyebrows. It consists of the pharaoh standing on a base, and the base contains hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ.Β 

The hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ on the base are thought to refer to one of Amenhotep III’s π“‡³π“§π“Ž  Heb Sed  π“Ž›π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“‚§π“π“Ž±π“‡³π“ͺ festivals (he ruled for 38 years). The Heb Sed Festival π“Ž›π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“‚§π“π“Ž±π“‡³π“ͺ, also known as the β€œ30 Year Jubilee,” was meant to celebrate the 30th year of a pharaoh’s 𓉐𓉻 reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“ and then subsequent years afterwards. The hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ on the base also contain errors, which means it is probably of non-royal production. 

The exact purpose of the statuette is unknown, but it is thought that it could have been used in a household shrine 𓉐𓏺 to the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻. Household 𓉐𓏺 statues/shrines actually became popular during the reign of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–. This would also support the idea that this was of non-royal production.Β 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Red Granite in Ancient Egypt

It’s time for a geology lesson! Today we are going to look at the significance of the red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ used by the ancient Egyptians! 

After limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ and sandstone π“‚‹π“…±π“‚§π“π“Œ—π“ˆ™, β€œAswan Granite” was the third most used rock π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™ by the ancient Egyptians! β€œAswan Granite” is actually a collective term used to describe all of the intrusive igneous rocks in the Aswan π“‹΄π“ƒΉπ“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Š– area, even though they aren’t all granitic!Β 

Red Granite

Intrusive igneous rocks π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™π“¦ are rocks that form when magma solidifies deep under ground over long periods of time. This long period of cooling allows for crystallization to occur, which is why red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ contains large (coarse), beautiful 𓄀𓆑𓂋 quartz π“ π“ˆ–π“Œπ“ˆ™ crystals! Quartz π“ π“ˆ–π“Œπ“ˆ™ is a very hard and durable mineral, which makes red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ a strong rock π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™. 

This strength has caused controversy and skepticism because β€œhow could the ancient Egyptians have quarried and moved so much granite?” Well the answer is in the science! Tectonic forces move the granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ towards the surface and the release of that overlying pressure (called unloading) causes the granite to weather into blocks through fracturing and the creation of natural joints. All the ancient Egyptians had to do was find the right sized block for their projects and then ship it up the Nike! 

The most common of the β€œAswan Granite” rocks π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™π“¦ is known as red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ. Red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ was used for many different types of things such as vases, statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾π“ͺ, sarcophagi π“ŽŸπ“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“π“Š­π“ͺ, stelae π“Ž—π“…±π“†“π“‰Έπ“¦, obelisks 𓉢𓉢𓉢, and for parts of buildings, temples π“‰Ÿπ“π“‰π“ͺ, and even the pyramids 𓍋𓅓𓂋𓉴!Β 

Red Granite

One of the best examples of these red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾π“ͺ are the ones that used to line Hatshepsut’s π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“π“€Όπ“ͺ temple at Deir el-Bahri 𓂦𓂋𓂦π“₯𓉐 (as seen in my picture)! You can see the beautiful colored coarse crystals in the granite! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Geb’s Laughter and Earthquakes

Yesterday 𓋴𓆑𓇳 was quite the interesting day in NY as we experienced an earthquake π“Œπ“…©π“‚‹π“‡Ύ in the morning and an aftershock in the evening! We don’t have earthquakes π“Œπ“…©π“‚‹π“‡Ύπ“¦ in NY very often so it was quite the experience for many of us! 

The ancient Egyptians believed that Geb’s 𓅬𓃀𓀭 laughter is what caused earthquakes π“Œπ“…©π“‚‹π“‡Ύπ“¦ to happen! Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 is the god π“ŠΉ of the Earth’s 𓇾𓇾 surface, which the ancient Egyptians called the Upper Earth. Anything that occurred on the Earth’s 𓇾𓇾 surface was considered to be Geb’s 𓅬𓃀𓀭 domain! 

The deity Tatanen 𓁯 is often associated with things that come from the interior of the Earth 𓇾𓇾 (Lower Earth) such as minerals, rocks π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™π“¦, and plants 𓆾𓆰𓆰𓆰! While today we know that earthquakes π“Œπ“…©π“‚‹π“‡Ύπ“¦ come from the interior of the Earth, the ancient Egyptians didn’t know that but it’s still so cool they made this distinction!

The god Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 can be depicted in art in a couple of different ways!Β 

Geb's
Wereshnefer’s sarcophagus at the MET showing Geb and Nut

On Wereshnefer’s sarcophagus is one depiction: Nut π“Œπ“π“‡―π“€­, the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of the sky/cosmos π“Šͺ𓏏𓇯, is seen as a woman arched over the rounded Earth 𓇾𓇾 and is supported by Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭, the god π“ŠΉ of the atmosphere.Β  At Nut’s π“Œπ“π“‡―π“€­ feet is Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 who is represented by feet with two arms holding the rounded Earth 𓇾𓇾!Β 

Geb's
Wereshnefer’s sarcophagus at the MET showing Geb and Nut labeled with their names in heiroglyphs

On the painted depiction, Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 is seen lying underneath the rest of the figures such as Nut π“Œπ“π“‡―π“€­ and Shu 𓆄𓅱𓀭, the god π“ŠΉ of the atmosphere.Β 

Geb's
A painted sarcophagus at the Brooklyn Museum depicting Nut, Shu, Geb and Khnum
Geb's
A painted sarcophagus at the Brooklyn Museum depicting Nut, Shu, Geb and Khnum with their names labeled in hieroglyphs

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Egyptian Artifacts

Head of Hathor at the Louvre

This limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ sculpture of the head of the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ Hathor 𓉑 is one of my favorite pieces that I saw in the Louvre because the intricate details are just striking. This piece is dated to the Ptolemaic Period, and used to be part of a column.Β 

Head of Hathor
Head of Hathor at the Louvre

Hathor 𓉑 is one of the most prominent goddesses π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ of the Egyptian pantheon. Along with Isis π“Š¨π“π“₯, she is regarded as the β€œGod’s mother π“…π“π“ŠΉβ€ of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻, but is also the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of love π“ˆ˜π“, joy 𓄫𓄣𓏏, music π“‡‹π“Ž›π“‡Œ, and dance π“‚‹π“…±π“‚»- basically the fun things in life! 

Hathor 𓉑 is usually associated with cows 𓄀𓆑𓂋𓏏𓃒π“ͺ and can take the form of a cow 𓄀𓆑𓂋𓏏𓃒 in many forms of Egyptian art. One detail that I love about this piece is that Hathor 𓉑 is shown with her cow ears! It is very common to see Hathor 𓉑 with her cow 𓄀𓆑𓂋𓏏𓃒 ears in art! 

Another detail that I love is how her wig 𓄿𓂋𓏏𓁸 is decorated with rosettes π“‡¬π“ˆ–π“ƒ€! The carvings are in raised relief, which only makes them stand out more. The work of the ancient Egyptian artists is truly incredible and never fails to amaze me!

Head of Hathor
Me with the Head of Hathor at the Louvre

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Egyptian Artifacts

Head of Pharaoh Tutankhamun

At the MET, many walk past this fragment of a statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 not knowing who it represents! I have always loved this particular piece because it is the head of Pharaoh Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ who is arguably the most famous pharaoh in the world today! As a kid, seeing King Tut in the MET was just SO COOL because all of the artifacts from his tomb are located in Egypt. I still think it’s cool – even though I’m an adult, I still can’t shake the child-like fascination I have with Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“.

Head of Tutankhamun
The Head of Pharaoh Tutankhamun on display at the MET

This limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 was made during Tutankhamun’s π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ reign (18th Dynasty), and it shows that Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ brought back the old religion and traditional styles of Egyptian art and sculpture. 

Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ is wearing the khepresh crown π“†£π“‚‹π“ˆ™π“‹™, also known as the β€œblue crown” in this statue. The khepresh π“†£π“‚‹π“ˆ™π“‹™ crown was very popular amongst the New Kingdom pharaohs 𓉐𓉻π“₯ and it was associated with coronation, the right to rule, and victory. Fun Fact: no example of the Blue Crown (Khepresh) π“†£π“‚‹π“ˆ™π“‹™ has been found by archaeologists! 

While it can’t be seen in this picture, there is a hand 𓂧𓏏𓏺 that can be seen on the back of Tutankhamun’s π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ head. This is the hand 𓂧𓏏𓏺 of the god π“ŠΉ Amun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“€­. Since Amun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“€­ (king of the gods π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ) is touching Tutankhamun’s crown, it can be interpreted that Amun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“€­ approved of Tutankhamun’s π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ reign. 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Tutu

While this looks like a small π“ˆ–π“†“π“‹΄π“…© sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 this isn’t just any sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€: his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– is Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲! The word β€œTutu” in Egyptian can be translated as β€œImage 𓏏𓏲𓏏” or β€œOne 𓏏𓏲.” The reason I am using the β€œπ“²β€ instead of the β€œπ“…±β€ to write the β€œw/u” sound is because β€œπ“…±β€ was used more for Middle/New Egyptian while β€œπ“²β€ was used in Late Egyptian!

Tutu
A front view of the limestone statue of Tutu. His inlaid eyes are missing, probably lost in antiquity.

Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was a late addition to the Egyptian pantheon as his first appearance is around 600 B.C.E., and he became a very popular deity in the late centuries B.C.E. to the Roman period. He is considered to be an obscure god π“ŠΉ and not much is known about him – most people think they are seeing a sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ when they see him!

Tutu
The limestone statue of Tutu – can you see his snake tail?

Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was the son π“…­ of the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ Neith π“ˆ–π“π“‹Œπ“€­ and he was usually represented as a sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ (human head, lion body) with a snake 𓇋𓂝𓂋𓏏𓆙 as a tail! You can see the snake 𓇋𓂝𓂋𓏏𓆙 tail on the statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 in the picture 𓏏𓅱𓏏 if you look closely!

One of the reasons that Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 became so popular is because he was worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 by ordinary people and Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was accessible to everyone! Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was thought to be the god π“ŠΉ of human fate and fortune and the slayer of demons. Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was commonly known as β€œWho Comes to the One Calling Him” but was also referred to as β€œGreat of Strength” and β€œThe Lion.” 

On reliefs, Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was also portrayed as a sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ except his head was usually facing forward instead of the usual profile depiction that is in most Egyptian art. This was so Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 could be see as approachable by all!

On this particular statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾, the inlaid glass eyes are missing! This statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 is also made of limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ and is dated to the Ptolemaic Period. 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Jars of Yuya and Thuya

These limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ jars π“Ž›π“†°π“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Šπ“Ό are very unique and I really like them! The only jars π“Ž›π“†°π“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Šπ“Ό similar to this that have been found in Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– were in the tomb π“‡‹π“‡©π“Šƒπ“‰ of Yuya π“‡Œπ“…±π“‡‹π“„Ώπ“€Ό and Thuya 𓍿𓅱𓇋𓅱 in the Valley of the Kings (KV46). These jars π“Ž›π“†°π“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Šπ“Ό at the MET are tentatively dated to the 18th Dynasty reign of Amenhotep III π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“‹Ύπ“‹† because of this!Β 

Jars of Yuya and Thuya
Limestone Jars of Yuya and Thuya at the MET

Fun Fact: Yuya π“‡Œπ“…±π“‡‹π“„Ώπ“€Ό and Thuya 𓍿𓅱𓇋𓅱 were Akhenaten’s π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ– grandparents and Tutankhamun’s π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“ great-parents!

These four 𓏽 jars π“Ž›π“†°π“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Šπ“Ό are made of limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ and have lids on them that show different animals! More specifically the lids show the deity Bes π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ, a frog π“ˆŽπ“‚‹π“‚‹π“†, an ox 𓃾 head and a resting calf π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“‡Œπ“ƒ”. No one knows what these jars π“Ž›π“†°π“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Šπ“Ό were specifically for!Β 

Jars of Yuya and Thuya
Jars of Yuya and Thuya showcasing the interesting lids!

Bes π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ also represented everything good, and was the enemy of anything evil. Bes π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ is also thought to protect π“…“π“‚π“Ž‘π“€œ people against sickness. Cups were fashioned in Bes’ π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ likeness and people thought if they drank from the cup, Bes π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ would heal them! So maybe these jars π“Ž›π“†°π“ˆ–π“Œπ“²π“Šπ“Ό were protecting something?! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

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