2025

rozdział w monografii naukowej

angielski

EN Both rock art and graffiti corpora from Pharaonic Egypt contain images that can be collectively subsumed under the category of “body part” images. Among these, the most common are depictions of feet and sandals, primarily in the form of petroglyphs, followed by depictions of hands and pubic triangles to a lesser extent. However, despite representing a widespread phenomenon, these images have rarely been analyzed in a serious manner, even though – as I argue in this paper – they must have constituted part of common and intersubjective social and religious practices across several periods. In the following, I intend to discuss the category of body part images from a particular angle, which should be as close as possible to the indigenous perspective of the ancient Egyptians. I therefore reflect upon the need of reconceptualization of the very ontology of image. By referring to a set of previous interpretations, clearly embedded within the so-called representational paradigm, I argue for the need for redefinition of the relationship(s) between the image and that which it depicts. In this, I refer broadly to anthropological and archaeological literature of the last two decades, but especially to the works by Rune Nyord, which can be considered as pioneering within the domain of Egyptology. I particularly draw upon his concept of presentification, which is of great help in understanding the relationships between the carved body parts, their makers and the places where they exist. I argue that being equipped with such theoretical toolkit, one may attempt to reinterpret much of the rock art and graffiti materials. This new take on the body part imagery should prove to be not only closer to the emic perspective, but also more respectful due to the serious treatment of the ancient Egyptian image makers and their concepts.

47 - 70

https://www.sidestone.com/books/bodies-that-mattered

Bodies that Mattered: Ancient Egyptian Corporealities

5

5