Description
The recent redocumentation of the 12th Dynasty tomb of Wekhhotep III at Meir by the Australian Centre for Egyptology has uncovered new details of a fragmentary scene on the chapel’s east wall, which can now most likely be classified as a representation of the hippopotamus hunt. This theme is quite frequently attested in Old Kingdom private tombs, but the activity is exclusively conducted by attendants. In the First Intermediate Period and Middle Kingdom, the theme rarely appears, but the hunt is, for the first time, undertaken by the tomb owner himself. The active participation of the tomb owner in activities traditionally performed by attendants is characteristic of the Middle Kingdom. In addition to the hippopotamus hunt, he is shown as the primary actor in scenes of the desert hunt and fowling with a clap net.This paper will examine the known representations of the tomb owner undertaking the hippopotamus hunt from the First Intermediate Period and Middle Kingdom and will compare them with earlier examples from private and royal contexts. It will consider the similarities and differences between the representations in order to identify possible influences in scene design. Such traditionally neglected developments in artistic repertoire are essential for our understanding of the growing power of the provincial elite. This paper will, therefore, consider the historical importance of these artistic changes and the reasons for tomb owners adopting a more active role in the scenes displayed on the walls of their tombs during the Middle Kingdom.
| Period | 10 Jun 2022 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Sixth Australasian Egyptology Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Australia, New South WalesShow on map |