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The deformation of cattle horns in the New Kingdom period

Laura Harris

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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Abstract

Cattle were important agriculturally, economically and religiously to the ancient Egyptians, and as a result they are depicted frequently in art. In some of these representations, cattle are shown with or undergoing a physical modification of their bodies. This paper will examine one of these practices, horn deformation. The artificial deformation of cattle horns is represented in two-dimensional art scenes from elite tombs throughout the Pharaonic period, and this paper will focus on examples from the New Kingdom (c.1550-1069 BC). Drawing on ethnographic comparisons, the process, purpose, and welfare implications of Egyptian modification will be discussed. Evaluation of the practice has revealed that, on balance, the Egyptians were not concerned with animal welfare when modifying the appearance of their cattle.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAnimals in religion, economy and daily life of ancient Egypt and beyond
EditorsRosanna Pirelli, Maria Diletta Pubblico, Salima Ikram
Place of PublicationNaples
PublisherUniorPress
Pages203-224
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9788867192854
Publication statusPublished - 2023
EventInternational Symposium on Animals in Ancient Egypt, the Middle Nile and their hinterlands (3rd : 2022) - University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Duration: 15 Jun 202217 Jun 2022

Publication series

NameSerie Egittologica
Volume4

Conference

ConferenceInternational Symposium on Animals in Ancient Egypt, the Middle Nile and their hinterlands (3rd : 2022)
Abbreviated titleISAAE3
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityNaples
Period15/06/2217/06/22

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2023. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • cattle
  • horn deformation
  • animal modification
  • Egyptian art
  • animal welfare

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