Taxation in Ancient Egypt was the very lifeblood of the state, binding ploughman, priest, and pharaoh in a tapestry of obligation. Long before coinage glinted under Persian and Greek rule, dues were rendered in grain, livestock, crafted wares, and, perhaps most valuable of all, labour itself. Our clearest windows onto this bustling fiscal world are...
Butehamun was a distinguished scribe who was born and raised in the Deir el-Medina region, and resided in Medinet Habu, living during the 29 year reign of Ramesses XI, he died in early stages of the Third Intermediate Period. Born into a lineage of scribes, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Thutmose, embracing...
Butehamun was a distinguished scribe who was born and raised in the Deir el-Medina region, and resided in Medinet Habu, living during the reign of Ramesses XI, he died in Third Intermediate Period. Born into a lineage of scribes, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Thutmose, embracing a life devoted to the written...
This fragmentary limestone bust depicts the Royal Scribe, Méniou. Traces of pigment remain of black upon the wig, eyes and brows, giving this fragmentary piece a striking appearance, despite its disfigurement. Méniou wears an elaborate usekh collar and pleated linen tunic, indicating his status in society. His wig is shoulder-length and finely detailed with intricate...
This painter’s palette was carved from a single piece of ivory. Six oval wells contain cakes of pigments including blue, green, brown (?), yellow, red, and black. The oval cartouche at one end encircles the throne name of Amenhotep III, Neb-Ma’at-Re, and the epithet “beloved of Re.” This could mean the palette belonged to an...
Irukakhufu was an Old Kingdom man who held many titles including, “Royal Acquaintance“, “(Royal) Wab-Priest” and “Overseer of the Pyramid-town of Khufu“. Discovered within the serdab of tomb at the Western Cemetery in Giza, known as Lepsius 21, the statue depicts a man in scribe form, who is believed to be Irukakhufu. Two large offering...
Ostracon are various shards of limestone and/or pottery, which were used by Ancient Egyptian artisans and scribes as a tablet. The term osatracon however, is not just used for the study of Egyptology, but used by historians studying the geographical regions of various other ancient cultures too. These fragmentary pieces have provided vast amounts of...
On Sunday February 11th, 2024, the Tomb of Neferhotep (TT49) at Al-Khokha (Luxor’s West Bank), was opened to the public.Neferhotep was a Scribe of Amun in the 18th Dynasty, c. 1550-1292 B.C. Since the collapse of the Ancient Egyptian empire, the tomb of Neferhotep had been used for storing cattle and even as housing. When...
This ivory painter’s palette with pigment and inscribed with the throne name of king Amenhotep III; “Nebmaatre, Beloved of Re“. Within the six oval wells, pigment of blue, green, yellow, red and black remains. The remnants of red pigment also appear stained across the ivory palette, indicating use. The palette was acquired by the Metropolitan...
Statue of Intendant and Administrator of the Temple of Amun, Hapy, reading from a papyrus roll. The scribe’s job was one of the most important in ancient Egypt, for he was the representative of culture, science, knowledge, and literature. In this regard, scribes are considered the main founders of its civilization. The scribe’s role was...
