On possible mythological readings for libation vessels of Old Kingdom Egypt
https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2023-2-39-62
Abstract
The article considers the evolution of visual language in Old Kingdom Egypt. This process anticipated the usage of images to convey mythological content on the Middle Kingdom coffins. During the V dyn. glimpses of transformation of cult images began to emerge. Along the “realistic” depiction of the funerary cult some compositions started to refer to mythological consequences of its successful implementation. Following J. Assmann we can say that the “sacramental explanation” of the ritual action was thus incorporated in the composition of cult images.
The article investigates the problem of mythological interpretation of a distinct type of ritual implement – libation basin. Initially its function was instrumental, namely to accept the sacrificial substances. During the IV dyn. it was as well interpreted as a lake, but in literature one can also find its mythological interpretation as the eternal waters of Nun. To delineate more sharply the boundaries of possible mythological interpretation, the author refers to the term “constellation” proposed by J. Assmann. In this perspective the similarity between verbal and visual texts could be confirmed by identity of the characters, as well as of the attributes of their interaction. Along these lines it is argued that the closest textual parallel to the libation basins is to be found in the group of utterances associated with the arrival of the deceased to the Fields of Offerings, to the butler of god Ra. The latter can be the personification of the flood and water abundance Agebi.
Keywords
Pyramid Texts,
Coffin Texts, ancient Egyptian mythology,
mythological motifs,
cult practices,
semiotics
Supporting agencies: Support from the Basic Research Program of the HSE University of is gratefully acknowledged
About the Author
E. V. Alexandrova
HSE University; Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ekaterina V. Alexandrova, Cand. of Sci. (Cultural Studies)
bld. 20, Myasnitskaya St., 101000, Moscow
bld. 6, Miusskaya, 125047, Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Alexandrova E.V. On possible mythological readings for libation vessels of Old Kingdom Egypt. Studia Religiosa Rossica: Russian Journal of Religion. 2023;(2):39-62. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2023-2-39-62
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