DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4993#0289
264
TABLETS IN CALCAREOUS STONE.
1932. Sepulchral tablet, hutu, with rounded top, of Tatau, a superintendent
of the temple or palace, probably of the god Ams, or Amsi, Khem, Min, or
Amen Horus, the local deity of Kabti or Coptos, dated in the thirteenth year
of Usertesen L, of the 12th dynasty, and dedicated to Osiris, the god Aprnatennu,
or opener of the Paths; one of the forms of Anup or Anubis, the god of
embalmment and funereal ceremonies; the goddess Heka, the Frog-headed
goddess, wife of Khnum or Chnoumis, the demiurgic form of the god Amen
Ra, creator of mankind and beings, and president of the waters; locally wor-
shipped at Elephantine; and to the gods of Abydos, the burial-place of Abydos,
and the great Egyptian cemetery under the 12th dynasty. At the lower part
of the tablet is one of the usual sepulchral scenes. The deceased Tata is
represented of larger proportions than the other figures, seated on a chair at the
right side. He is dressed in the style of the 12th dynasty, his long hair, namms,
descends to his shoulders, and he wears the square, short, conventional beard of
the period. Round his neck is the semicircular tippet or collar called usx, and
a short tunic, the s'enti, from his loins to his knees. His right hand is bent
back upon his breast, and holds a doubled sash, unkhu, the use and purpose of
which are unknown. The chair on which he is seated is low, probably the mau,
made at this period of ivory and ebony, brought from ^Ethiopia, and a kind of
drapery or cushion, the aft, so called from its being of square shape, hangs over
it. The chair is ornamented behind with a projection representing a papyrus
flower, and its feet are formed like those of a lion placed as small pedestals.
Under the seat is a hound or female dog, tesmut, an animal sometimes seen in
the same place, or else replaced by a cat or ape. At this period each favourite
and domestic animal had its name as at the present day, but the name of the
dog is not found on this tablet. Above the head of Tatau, but intended probably,
according to the Egyptian idea of perspective, to be represented at his side are
some objects of the toilet, consisting of a square stand or box, teba, on which
are placed a basket-shaped stone jar, probably of alabaster, with its cover tied
down round its neck. Jars of this shape held stibium, mestem, and other cos-
metics ; a jug, also with its cover tied down in the same manner, for holding
water, xnum> or other liquid; and a mirror, maa-her, or un-her, in its
case. Before Tatau are three rows of figures of smaller size bringing funereal
offerings, and performing acts of ancestral worship. Two females in the first
TABLETS IN CALCAREOUS STONE.
1932. Sepulchral tablet, hutu, with rounded top, of Tatau, a superintendent
of the temple or palace, probably of the god Ams, or Amsi, Khem, Min, or
Amen Horus, the local deity of Kabti or Coptos, dated in the thirteenth year
of Usertesen L, of the 12th dynasty, and dedicated to Osiris, the god Aprnatennu,
or opener of the Paths; one of the forms of Anup or Anubis, the god of
embalmment and funereal ceremonies; the goddess Heka, the Frog-headed
goddess, wife of Khnum or Chnoumis, the demiurgic form of the god Amen
Ra, creator of mankind and beings, and president of the waters; locally wor-
shipped at Elephantine; and to the gods of Abydos, the burial-place of Abydos,
and the great Egyptian cemetery under the 12th dynasty. At the lower part
of the tablet is one of the usual sepulchral scenes. The deceased Tata is
represented of larger proportions than the other figures, seated on a chair at the
right side. He is dressed in the style of the 12th dynasty, his long hair, namms,
descends to his shoulders, and he wears the square, short, conventional beard of
the period. Round his neck is the semicircular tippet or collar called usx, and
a short tunic, the s'enti, from his loins to his knees. His right hand is bent
back upon his breast, and holds a doubled sash, unkhu, the use and purpose of
which are unknown. The chair on which he is seated is low, probably the mau,
made at this period of ivory and ebony, brought from ^Ethiopia, and a kind of
drapery or cushion, the aft, so called from its being of square shape, hangs over
it. The chair is ornamented behind with a projection representing a papyrus
flower, and its feet are formed like those of a lion placed as small pedestals.
Under the seat is a hound or female dog, tesmut, an animal sometimes seen in
the same place, or else replaced by a cat or ape. At this period each favourite
and domestic animal had its name as at the present day, but the name of the
dog is not found on this tablet. Above the head of Tatau, but intended probably,
according to the Egyptian idea of perspective, to be represented at his side are
some objects of the toilet, consisting of a square stand or box, teba, on which
are placed a basket-shaped stone jar, probably of alabaster, with its cover tied
down round its neck. Jars of this shape held stibium, mestem, and other cos-
metics ; a jug, also with its cover tied down in the same manner, for holding
water, xnum> or other liquid; and a mirror, maa-her, or un-her, in its
case. Before Tatau are three rows of figures of smaller size bringing funereal
offerings, and performing acts of ancestral worship. Two females in the first