Trading Scenes of Punt

This relief of trading scenes of Punt is one of many decorated blocks that record the trading expedition sent to the land of Punt by Hatshepsut. Punt was a locality near the Red Sea and the south of Egypt, now southern Sudan or Eritrea or Ethiopia.

The block shows Parehu, the Ruler of Punt, holding a rod. In front of him were the Egyptians, guided by Nehsi, presenting jewelry and an exquisite golden dagger. Standing just behind Parahu is his wife, Ati, who is shown as a fat, deformed person.

It is likely that the Egyptian artist showed her like this because she suffered from the disease known as elephantiasis, which is characterized by the enlargement of a part of the body. It is also likely that the artist exaggerated a little to make a sort of caricature, or comic imitation.

The artist recorded all the details of African life. He even depicted small details such as the African collars worn by the Ruler of Punt and his wife and the strokes drawn on their faces.

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, reign of Hatshepsut, ca. 1479-1458 BC. Carved and painted limestone, from Deir el-Bahari, West Thebes. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 14276

Nehsi, the pioneer explorer of ancient Egypt, tells Queen Hatshepsut of the strange cargo he has brought home from the newly-discovered land of Punt.

The expeditionary force comprised five ships, each seventy feet long, accommodating 210 men including sailors and 30 rowers. Among the company were people who made records of the fauna, flora and the inhabitants of Punt. Nehsi was buried in Saqqara, where he had a rock cut tomb.