Foreigners in Ancient Egypt: Theban Tomb Paintings from the Early Eighteenth Dynasty (1550–1372 BC)

Description

In ancient Egypt, one of the primary roles of the king was to maintain order and destroy chaos. Since the beginning of Egyptian history, images of foreigners were used as symbols of chaos and thus shown as captives being bound and trampled under the king’s feet. The early 18th dynasty (1550-1372 BCE) was the height of international trade, diplomacy and Egyptian imperial expansion. During this time new images of foreigners bearing tribute became popular in the tombs of the necropolis at Thebes, the burial place of the Egyptian elite. This volume analyses the new presentation of foreigners in these tombs. Far from being chaotic, they are shown in an orderly fashion, carrying tribute that underscores the wealth and prestige of the tomb owner. This orderliness reflects the ability of the Egyptian state to impose order on foreign lands, but also crucially symbolises the tomb owner’s ability to overcome the chaos of death and achieve a successful afterlife. Illustrated with colour plates and black-and-white images, this new volume is an important and original study of the significance of these images for the tomb owner and the functioning of the funerary cult. Cover page Halftitle page Series page Title page Copyright page Dedication Contents Illustrations Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1 Introduction 2 Background Previous research Discussion of problematic terms The tomb owners and their titles 3 The Cosmic Significance of the Tomb 4 Foreigner Types Contrasting foreigner types 5 Palatial Decorations The nine bows People types occurring with the nine bows Fully human captives Associated motifs Surviving palatial objects The purpose of audience halls Conclusions 6 Underlying Egyptian Concepts in Tribute Scenes Exchange in the tribute scenes Symbolism in fishing and fowling scenes Visual organization of tribute scenes Foreigners as agents of chaos Dancing girls The ‘international style’ in Egypt, the Aegean and the Levant Hybridism Captive and tribute-bearer motifs in the same tomb 7 Funerary Symbolism in Tribute Scenes Nubia (tombs 39, 63, 78, 81, 84, 89, 91 and 100) The Levant (tombs 39, 42, 63, 78, 81, 84, 85, 86, 89, 90, 91,100, 119, 131, 155, 239, 256 and 276)18 The Aegean (tombs 39, 71, 85, 86, 89, 100, 131 and 155) 37 The oases (tombs 39, 81, 86, 131 and 155) Punt (tombs 39, 100 and 143) Chapter conclusions 8 Between Symbolism and Historical Veracity International diplomacy and trade Campaigns of the early eighteenth dynasty kings 9 Conclusions Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Notes Bibliography Index