Swansea University Egyptology lecturer Dr Ken Griffin and the newly discovered artifact.
Posted on 03/25/2018 11:24:07 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Consisting of two irregularly shaped limestone fragments that have been glued together, the object had been kept in storage for over twenty years and was requested for the handling session based only on an old black and white photograph.
The front side depicts the head of a figure whose face is unfortunately missing, with the remains of a fan directly behind. Traces of hieroglyphs are also present above the head. The iconography of the piece indicates that it represents a ruler of Egypt, particularly with the presence of the uraeus (cobra) on the forehead of the figure. Who is this mysterious pharaoh and where did the fragment originate from?
A search of the Egypt Centre records provides no information on the original provenance or find spot of the object. What is known is that it came to Swansea in 1971 as part of the distribution of objects belonging to Sir Henry Wellcome (1853-1936), the pharmaceutical entrepreneur based in London. The fragments are less than 5cm thick and had clearly been removed from the wall of a temple or tomb, as can be seen from the cut marks on the back.
Having visited Egypt on over fifty occasions, Dr Griffin quickly recognised the iconography as being similar to reliefs within the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri (Luxor), which was constructed during the height of the New Kingdom. In particular, the treatment of the hair, the fillet headband with twisted uraeus, and the decoration of the fan are all well-known at Deir el-Bahri.
Most importantly, the hieroglyphs above the head--part of a formulaic text attested elsewhere at the temple--use a feminine pronoun, a clear indication that the figure is female.
(Excerpt) Read more at eurekalert.org ...
Swansea University Egyptology lecturer Dr Ken Griffin and the newly discovered artifact.
This is the front aspect of the artifact.
This is a rear aspect of the artifact.
Fascinating, the only female Pharoah
Nobody can blame a guy for wanting to get ahead.
Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh wasn’t female?
It almost looks like the small upper piece could be flipped and fitted to the bottom of the larger piece to complete the bust of the face.
The ancient Egyptians were the worst when it came to destroying the monuments of ancient Egypt.
:’) The famous Cleopatra was Cleopatra VIIth, so, at least six others, but mostly they didn’t rule. Cleopatra didn’t really rule either, she was put on the throne by Rome, part of the Roman pattern of setting up and supporting a client native ruler to eliminate a possible enemy on their border while minimizing their own troop commitment. Caesar prevailed using about half a legion, which is probably a record. :^)
That’s a good question though... Hatshepsut ruled in her own right, but legally was serving as a regent until Thutmose III came of age, and that’s what happened at first. She wound up dying, apparently of an infection from an absessed tooth, and he took over and apparently counted his regnal years from the time she’d taken over.
One earlier queen Sobeknerfu Neferusobek, closed out the 12th Dynasty, but I think her reign was short. Really short. Hmm, sez here four years.
” and the newly discovered artifact.”
It was owned by someone until 1936 (when he died) and given to Swansea in 1971.
What’s “new” about that?
” The fragments are less than 5cm thick and had clearly been removed from the wall of a temple or tomb, as can be seen from the cut marks on the back.”
Why would there be carving on the reverse side if it was part of a wall? Rejected alternate carving? Hidden message?
The old owner was of big pharma, he was probably too doped up to even know what he had.
Never heard of her. Will read up
btw, if you like historical fiction, I am currently reading book II of "marius' Mules" - and I recommend it.
Hatshepsut the female Pharoah?..........................
She was Greek...................
The ancient Egyptians were the worst when it came to destroying the monuments of ancient Egypt.
But she assumed the title Pharoah
She is considered to be the last Pharoah
Thanks, SunkenCiv!
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