The carvings, recorded in 1890s and rediscovered in 2008, show a figure wearing a white crown and traveling in a ceremonial procession and on a sickle-shaped boat, accompanied by representations of falcons and bulls. Most importantly, researchers have dated the carvings to between 3200 B.C. and 3100 B.C., which would have been during the reign of Narmer, who united Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt into one nation.
The seven carvings, made in and around the village of Nag el-Hamdulab, clearly show a pharaoh and, in one instance, illustrate a tax collection campaign. Another carving shows what looks to be the brewing and drinking of beer, which would point to a festival that could have been associated with pharaoh recognition.
Other carvings illustrate the herding of animals, including not only pedestrian cattle but also beasts that are part-lion.
The research appears in the December issue of Antiquity.
No comments:
Post a Comment