Ankh-Sign, Belt and Penis Sheath Author(s): John Baines Source: Studien zur Altgyptischen Kultur, Bd.

3 (1975), pp. 1-24 Published by: Helmut Buske Verlag GmbH Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25149982 . Accessed: 26/07/2013 10:03
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CANKH-SIGN,

BELT AND PENIS

SHEATH

by

John

B a

i n e

Writing origin a bow also

sixty of the of been purely

years

apart J6quier1 was not in nh-sign character. amuletic to identify to the problem just Christian its objects very of to the

and an

Fischer2

both

concluded utility there article, the true A.D. helped analogies mirrors4 it latter with

that but have but origin the

the in

of object For almost with been the of the

practical a century known and centuries perhaps allowed such as

attempts solution be lost. to

definitive may well

sign has in

some found,

no

However, the

as form

early cross, has use have men. a

sign by to be

became the found modern N^

adapted J? between scholars for the

monogram,3 it and from

simplicity everyday Westendorf6

and a co

vering the analogies one

1 2

Sayce5 worn primarily by genitals, so various as to preclude are garment

-fuses in: et of

compared In this simple

case of posited
archaic An eleventh id.,

identification that
esp. 134. to id., 26; cf. an

form
Les Some ritual

of
talismans

the

with
<Q , in:

the

sign.
ll, with

This
1914,

suggests
121-43, reference 1972, 100, l,

the

BIFA0

emblematic vessel, couple and

hieroglyphs of Bat,

dynasty cult The 3 Cf. e.g.

Metropolitan the sign holding nome of the Goddess Das the not does 1955, most

Museum life,

particular Journal 5, ZAS in: in: JARCE

5-15; 1973,

already

Xgypten 'life' cross plays relatively Coptic Chretiens ** Jequier, 5 6

M. Cramer, , Wiesbaden notion (which a part. is does She late symbolism. d'Egypte, BIFAO in: als aus

altagyptische 10, fig.

Lebenszeichen

12. 1962, im christlichen believes use, fourth but

important become general seem to not might,

Cramer 7.9; 49-5?) (o.c, factor the in Christian as a symbol the before attach however, any be weight related du 43-55. Schafer, 1-7; in: Die below ZXS to to culte the that

(koptischen) that the that the also

century) whose monogram, of the parmi der 4f les in

appearance See in: 11, also

Michaelides, Vestiges BSAC 1951. 13, 1948-9, see also 129-31; 1914, in: ZAS 1892, 68, 33. Texten, 1932,

solaire

Ausdeutung p-22. 1966, 151-4.

Spie

gelplatte W.M.F. In: Beitrage

Sonnenscheibe, zu

Petrie, und

London Medum, den medizinischen

92,

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2 John

B a

i n e

SAK 3

identification, sign not would

unless

the

as

be not correct, might although common linking a fairly of garment to deduce with be possible certainty
were further arguments, although a

so and

much sign.

the

origin From this

of it

anything
meaning

about
which

origins
was attri

there

buted correct purpose

socially origin. is to

by might Egyptians However that may be (see discuss visual I believe, but only of touched
studies

the

of

course also

be below,

a memory passim),

of

the my present

analogies strongly insofar the as

between

which, cnh-sign,7 s dorf hypothesis, to some explicit appears

the

support the analogies in

the

belt, penis an extended seem Some

sheath form to of of

and Westen been material on

have the

not

to

Egyptians have been

in recent

historical either
of

period. the extensive

penis sheath.9

literature
The existence

anh-signB

or

of

further

documentation since can be J6quierfs on said

is

the

only

subject, of what

excellent a descriptive as a covering ^sis-knot', to A be two way loop

justification of 1914 study level.

for already

returning contains

to

the

most

explaining on the that, addition, example the

In

the analogy

sign of the

for

the the

genitals at an

Westendorf the top at sign, was (as the

assumed a on waist and the to a later the of

the wearer no.

enabling

hang

the

loop as sign the band

amulet

Kofler-Truniger wearer original the the with

and the

3110). the

Therefore

knot of the

would or

horizontal ~~| this . It

part hanging view the sign penis

the 7

one

strips: up. In

is, the

other the
side

manner to
the

however, it can be glans

ends that the loin 44). of

possible seen as

sheath,
garment,

approximating
elements perhaps

visible
a separate

through
strip that fact

n. states BIFAO with in: 133, 11, 1914, 2, Jequier, the be an for protecteur' nh-sign 'appareil might is that the '[the'on/c/z says represented by symbol] two brothers, The tomb of Manchester 1910, Murray, n. doubt from derived 5). (above, Sayce's Cf., und chen, chen, in das addition Zeichen Osiris, in: AcOr to the material in: Fs ZXS Griffith, M. cited, 62, Schafer, 1927, 424-31; Erler, 108-10; Volten, Das Das "Leben", in: Isis, 25, 1960, ORA Verlag of the ariji Wiederkehr,

Cameron penis. cloth This

suggested Cameron in ...'

opinion "Blut

(in M.A. no was der Isis"

sogenannte id., Djed-Pfeiler, Das agyptische des Lebens Der who

Lebenszei -ft -Zei im alten the Agyp problem als Westen

305-31; 1966; as an

ten, Miinchen, of the origin Symbol dorf 's 9 P.J. zyklischer view;

Staehelin, Tracht, 'alte Streitfrage'; in: ZXS 98, 1970, LdX survey, London Kindgom, 1/2,

Symbol who

characterises Konigsring endorses

6,

Barta, n. 14,

Ucko,

Anthropological presentations 154-6. 1972, H.W. M. in: Miiller,

in: Anchzeichen, Derchain, a comparative Penis sheaths: ... for Institute 1969, of gods from the early Old

268-9. 1973, in: Proceedings 1970, in: und

of the Royal Two re 27-67; Wildung, Miscellanea Wilbouriana in der E. und

1,

10

Xgyptische

Kunstwerke, 5, 5,

Kleinfunde 1964, 1972, 29, 14,

Glas plate; 20.

Kofler-Truniger, Metropolitan

M&S Luzern, Museum Journal

with fig.

photo

Sammlung also in

Fischer,

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

or rather As a sheath for, loop. symbolising, the would then be the right way up, particularly penis, 'sign* also the point of view of the wearer below (see p. 19 ). There some examples so interpreting evidence for of penis but cogent a to other be It that resemble each called sufficiently type. used to tie the necessary to treat them fairly fully. The worn first the case two animals palette the as but the is the

an

erect

from is sparse sheaths will be

decoration of recto 111). of of this the the of On

by fantastic the

attendants on the (fig. date

Nacrmer

present is as nh-sign, change

evidence early

any example new material The a kilt, the

could object whose knees, and

ra

evidently can line

is thus

picture. to added seen at

or

is

be
symbolic

ornamental

ther with (or figure be that of a conical not this be

of its people. from of it is K. this Lange example M. and Hirmer, the

than the

functional.12

By analogy hair heads, may form be will

the

of representation a wig) on the figures1 main part of the object to end be by of a fur; its the

deduced tube fur, tied towards loose ends

separate

element, The later as

was

presumably that fact cases

context by 11 12 normal

of

whose

earliest liable
occurrence

will

is not example to assume relatively

is not such as

hang slightly functional suggests free

to

downwards. that

forms,
indicate

expecially
that it

the

worn

Tracing 4. pi. In duals worn 1972, position. view

Xgypten/Egypt^,

Munchen

l967/London

1968,

necessary another underneath 154. It For would be a parallel with

to

on private of sheaths indivi attestation poor a sheath cases of the with scepticism possible adduced Wilbouriana in: Miscellanea garment, by Wildung, an explicit to wear such curious in a concealed garment cf. E.E. Nuer Oxford Evans-Pritchard, 1956, religion, view implications, sexuality, states, in: sheaths bottom register (ibid., in: by T.0. Beidelman, Africa 38, 1968, PRAI 52. 1969, are L, those top L, is worn bottom Ucko's surely by Some 123. The Nuer notions is remark

l,

I8l, quoted, of nakedness, not Beidelman1s, Further Sa3hu-rec (figures worn by context.

extended and Ucko

nudity as

'symbolic' II, pi. without the women

1;

of examples 3 examples, middle Chad tribe

women: Borchardt, Libyan and middle registers citation irrelevant of a in garment this

beards, a of

damaged). 47-8)

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4 John

B a

i n

s SAK 3

figure Between except rences figures broadly sufficient Nacrmer the both penis; they from one tie main cases this for are case a rather on and

2a the fifth

figure there is a gap dynasty case discussed All below. ('Nile of Nacrmer as to of that too gods'). (fig. The first

2b in attestation,

doubtful figures

from

fecundity the pyramid to that similar for any the tube

occur remaining on are such The detail As form is with end is in the over In a real known,

temple on the

Sahurec palette, small

2a13). but the

deductions overlapping suggests is far

material the

composition. strips a distinct the larger a penis.1* sheath near

figures, conical the

the element.

object of sheaths penis although to mimic tend do not closely the with with temple the original the dangling of Neferirkarec,15 colour strips

are they to delineate big an comparable the form of

shape size An

of are

formally The preserved.

unremarkable, main is

is

example the only and the

red

loop) leather would entirely

do not follow the contour of the (which was that the This sheath of animal green. suggest might origin or fur tie and the of a vegetable but although this material; the meaning of the colours with the Nacrmer could fit be palette, different.

4
13 Simplified an altar detail. 1i* many Attributes attire, Borchardt, Cf. from Borchardt, tracing from the pyramid fragment are The misleadingly fragments of in: the and examples in categories Man N.S. 4, Ucko, in the Sa3hu-rec temple PRAI (ibid. arranged II, pi. I, in 50, the see 29. A fig. drawing. also further 52) gives K.G. New example no on extra

15

1969,

study 379-91. fig.

1969, plates; of material 29.

culture:

Heider, Guinea Dani

Nefer-ir-ke3-rec,

29,

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

figure

Examples Neuserrec strips about gravity end of nor The

on

seated

near 70 is the

(fig. the

figures show 316) end

from an

the

pyramid

temples of in down of of on latest also

of

Sahurec

and cases at position the

. Since

variation. interesting main the from away part hang or less is more flat sheath the not thus forcing the to the strips follow them are the than to hang

In both the sheath

a seated round a rigid the end the

presumably garment; is

circular

neither contour that The is

material, of the sheath.

intended form

specifically to closer

cnh-sign

standing

figures. to me

known example the most explicit

it is on a

and
seated

informative;

figure stela hat if

an is borate

of of V (fig.

H pj the

on

BM 1346, of This

reign 417).

Amenem garment, resembles

placed
cnh-sign natural

vertically,
very in execution, a closely. relief it is

As of deco ela

figure
out as, for

4
Renaissance

rated

with

extra

ornamental

detail
padded 16 example co-pieces pi. cannot British introductory 16. This

which

makes
were. is almost The

it

seem
cnh-signs

Tracing retouched, chardt, Tracing

from so from

Borchardt, that the II, 28; A

Ne-user-rec, reproduction 24 pi. Photo: general 330,

plate great A guide to the The

claim

accuracy. to the

completely Sahurec:

Bor collec in Sebek IV,

Sa3hu-rec

17

enlargement. pi. Museum, AcOr in: 1930, 36, in in

Museum, guide 54.

1909, tions, the British hotpe pi. The contain VIII, 22 is standing a

inaccurate figure reminiscence that the

fig. 1974, fig. a number of Tb.

176; Baines, 4 after p. respects. I, pi. sheath. damaged, 9949).

The

Egyptian inundation drawing

Egyptian collections stela in of BM Stelae

Naville, the of belt

however, normal

figure, figure

penis is which (pBM

no. 28, A.p., Examination is a fecundity

might of the figure

be

thought wearing

to reveals, the

original

fecundity

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6 John

B a

i n

s SAK 3

from hanging the naturally part,

form as

the more into

adjacent rigid two as

is

offering-table used shape in

meant

are and

not

dissimilar the very sign.

archaic

- within thick Whether

version

share of
the

lower the
with

divided
a penis

many
to

examples
resemble

the

sheath

two frieze
could

separate which
be

vertical cannot be
as

strips, very
functional

also distant
or

found in
as

in time,18
a more

a Middle is
or

Kingdom clear;
symmetrical

coffin the width

ele

not
less

explained

ment looped

to

the side

front pieces

loop.19 relate history,

It to

throughout could, that Since does teenth

shape,

Egyptian be indeed, archaic earlier

possible on S loops rather than those the It the seems most

is

also

that

the

, which on early plausible

generously were preserved they cnh-signs; to assume

an the not

freely is form form

invented. behind of the to more

that

sheath. worn and by fecundity on the that of

or that

immediately stela dynasty

one must assume

call is

as sheath penis mind the cnh-sign, than

another

figures thir earlier

simple
model

elaboration
was used,

the
the

designer

produced
pieces is

his
much

own

shape.20
circular

The

elliptical
than on any

shape
example

of

the
of

loops
as

on
a

the
hiero

side

nearer

glyph, sheath elaboration vessel sible middle

it is although to be discussed. of published sheath, of the the

more It

than could

paralleled be

in

the

next

perhaps for found, looping example, On Fischer.21 BM 1346 the by the and tie not

understood in the

example as an first

of 'ideal'

since penis

dynasty a plau is not garment in it would to come roughly in the appear near the glans, and the whole is object

18

Reproduced the decoration The art, tomb of Oxford

in

Jequier, a of

in:

BIFAO

19

20

2 of Egyptian 1896, pi. Schafer, Principles A case on a Buhen rock The rock 24.1/40. (Smith, drawing no. in: JEA 58, 23 - pi. and inscriptions 1972, 49, 8.7) 25.I, fig. on the stelae E 10983, one and 10989 contemporary Philadelphia must further be of The one date. of at site comparable examples clustering that a local the form is occur it should in this suggests variant; why particular a matter is for See also place speculation. p. 22. below, It cannot be assumed that the half an lower of the form is archaic solid with at an object the as a horizontal such would be shown with line bottom, opening the two verticals. Cf. joining 281/263. Schafer, 266, Principles, fig. The a better 1 is form of BM 1346 for than that of fig. starting point 2a, fig. but still it is to close to have the the scarcely enough hieroglyph suggested Sebeknekht, 1974, pi. of Buhen, occurrences modification without 5, 1972, 5-15. separate knowledge of the connection. In: MMJ

catafalque London

ll, from

1914, 123, the second

9. fig. intermediate

later period:

example J.J.

is

in

Tylor,

21

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

too when
to an

large.22 real penis

Like

most sheaths
sounter

known were
to

forms, no longer
is

it

was worn
thus

probably in
probably

divised The
the

at

a time

Egypt.

resemblance
of an

cnh-sign,

nature,

creation

artist figures showed he not or

who

knew

that

could

wear

sign a sheath,

and

sheath but did sign were the

were not as in

associated know its real

and

that

something that thought follow that versa. in the

resembling and sign he Why first the

the sheath

considered sheath two

sheath

shape; as possible. closely some way equivalent, to be the origin of a form an

more sheaths,

fecundity so he But it the if does sign, prin

vice

resembles remains
After cases the of

of

the

sign

found

cipally

dynasties

enigma.
or less a unequivocal problematic one

may of

be Djoser

discussed. from in (fig. relief the the

This series

is

on of

a figure relief south sheaths ) pro

panels tomb in vide that Here stuck figure the

22

step pyramid 523) . The clear series (below for wear the the

and penis p.12

jftH

the the

justification a king could the in to shape the that and, of

assuming garment. of is the dagger in

5 of the
of into the wear tube

close

king's of the

tip belt penis

extremely sheath resembles

BM 1346 other
If

instances

type
were part

less
ever of

clearly.
considered the sheath,

interestingly, The placing

the and whole the penis pompom

of

the
was

dagger
probably decora

the practicalities to fit imagined tive appendage. overall narrowing the natural in shape and

was

The the of

of

the a

sheath at penis. the

is It sheaths.

similar is It should

to

that

of

most

other to on be a scrotum

variants in is few

flaring form of of

bottom

obviously be noted however,

likely that the found

known; imitation

ignored dynastic palette'

23

Chaos, Asselberghs, pi. (e.g. el-cAraq are forms that in 104) representa doubtful], ibid., pi. [authenticity iiie sheath of that the absence detail later this suggests very tionally striking, more was in the shown dynastic period. schematically and the 17. This from Firth II, remaining Step pi. Pyramid Quibell, Tracing and from the awkward definition suffer the from volume 7-8) poor (fig. tracings are in them is and much tentative. of the temporary They lighting originals, themselves. reliefs of of the in default line drawings expedients A of parallel to fig. III: 5, without Kunst, Wolf, of mks and mace n. 24. esp. the decoration looped Here 306. 361, fig. are an index of the at as king's the on is end, the Djoser divinity, on a relief

pictures reliefs

penis Gebel

is, Knife:

mostly late pre 'Beirut 41;

Mentuljotpe the attributes 1974, 38-54,

figure, cf. AcOr

36,

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8 John

B a

i n e

s SAK 3

same point on the figure's come the as a sheath kilt would precisely makes certain is intentional. it virtually that the formal allusion be decided the relief from alone is whether is shown What cannot what at is the dagger
no the real variation

itself
dagger

or

its
would

sheath.
be the of

The
that

latter
shape. relief ,2t*

is
It

more
is which also

probable,
easier does not

simply
to show

because explain

with

companion

this of
so

detail, these
variant

if reliefs
sheaths

the are

dagger identical,
are more

is

assumed but
likely

to the
than

the basically are basically pairs be

dagger and non-dagger.

same.

No

two

similar;
The im

plied

symbolic and interest,

more because far Egypt the as I can

equation: obviously
logical sheaths to are no

dagger suggests
assume secondary

sheath further
that to evidence various Such the

penis that
latter

sheaths dagger
produced

is =

of

penis.
the and of may are, of

great It is,
former, because sheaths be course, made -

indeed, both so in for

what for a

they this priori associations

sheathe, equivalence arguments

know be

further whereas the

adduced, of

equivalence

objects.

Freudian that
the

commonplaces, evidence
of how often

and does

the not
and

point support
in what

cannot it.
contexts

be

gainsaid is

Egyptian
question

What
the

by simply relevant here

was

saying is
ex

connection

plicitly may rare be as

acknowledged.25 noted that, except part of attested the royal both

As a possible in martial insignia; archaeologically26 to virility and the of in penis. dagger

of the

argument scenes, they is are,

along daggers on the

these in the

lines belt hand

it are fairly for

other

frequently Since rebirth dead kings. on mummies of the dagger suitably found
The fact

and a frequent reliefs such

iconographically motif the could is, be

presence to be

funerary No sheaths.
sheath

interpreted

as in

referring the decoration

most

to

allusion

however,

that

examples

form

under

discussion

are

on

fecundity specific
24 25

figures to one

has figure

some but

implications to the genre,

worth as is

discussing. clear from

It the

is

not that

fact

Ibid., a For Social London

pi. parallel hair, 1973, 256k,

40. in:

The cf.

sceptre 4,

and Magical

mace

Leach, Man N.S. is On in the the Egypt, 12-13;

hair,

crossing in:

the JRAI R.

dagger 88,

may 1958, Symbols

obscure 147-64; public

the

decdil.

1969, of JEA Graefe,

256-64;

Firth, The of 13; iron id.,

Hallpike, and private, obj. cf. in: Koln

262-98. example 256dd. Iron 10, mummy possible in: E. Tutcankhamun. significance 18, 1932, Untersuchungen are Carter daggers context in this The zur coming Wortfamilie of iron, bj3,

26

An nos.

obvious

Wainwright, Antiquity 1971, 18-18.

1936,

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

it

occurs

with

figures

of

various

names:

s*m0w

(fig.

2a),

t3-mhjw,27

It is (BM 1346). Hcpj alternand for the belt nation the that status bits is in the shown reality are figure the to unknown, with evidence the belt the is but

therefore with it

simplest strips.28 The be first the noted

to

explain reasons that only in

it for all in

as such

a rare an alter cases group, a

early

should is the

extant its

sheath consistent

or

one

so

with

sheath's both

with the

penis:29 by the not

A penis sheath strips. main belt's is function in cases where the

having conceals

superior and exhi

fact conceal in

that, the

Paradoxically, in fact be

a few (e.g. fig.

the penis penis, cases the penis where 63 ) . These

concealment. This simply form as depicted would is by no means shown. always is visible confirm it that would figures not

seen

examoles

figure

27

Fig. df3w

the 3, behind of

name the

being supplied are two figures with strips fifth

by not

the their

plant

held. names but

The the

words benefits

htpwt

nbwt they are

and

28

implicitly The form fecundity gottgestalt, are cited occurs ment or its context

bringing. the belt

figures in: not in at a

the by Pantheon fecundity pictorial Consideration

was misunderstood being cf. dynasty, Westendorf, 275-6 (the 21, 1963, 'konigliche This form). suggests figure level, of often the be which is Kaiser in without alternation confined garments given et the The figures. that PRAI 52. he to knowledge of belt the Old

or misinterpreted IV. Amenophis that Nilgottstatuen1 the later of and Kingdom. rare on the actual sheath

on in Ur

develop in garment this

function. should of

strictly the

therefore to degree misunderstood

An tain

indication contexts

relief Kingdom a these have a loin cloth form, such 29 30 penis Cf. not a that

may be from Elephantine: belt with two strips protecting found the on fecundity suggests in: III,

are that relatively of by a pair figures MDAIK in: al., 28, of 'penis The fact was sheaths penis is sheath1 that of the the in

in

cer

a Middle a; to

form

buttocks).

41 1972, pi. addition (in the 'standard1 produced a of

artist function

palpable sheath. cited

absurdity by Ucko, Atlas

unaware

examples

1969,

passim.

Tracing

fromWresz.,

This content downloaded from 145.236.15.206 on Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:03:01 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

10

John

B a

i n e- s

SAK 3

wearing

the

garment

are

not

epicene31

or

eunuchs.32

Cases

where

the

genitals figures, flicts

the more

are

paradoxically in part

visible because the

of

(which the roll are

do of no

not fat

occur below to

on the be
At

fecundity belt classed

all events,

probably with

con with

representing
phenomenon

genitals)
'false

doubt

general

transparency'.33

the and
sheath

garment so meanings
may

must

in

some

attaching
also attach

respects to the
to it.

a polite - and penis be

The garment

substitute a fortiori
can be worn

for to
in

the the
addition

penis, penis

to its

a kilt own.

of The

another rather not suggest

type,3X* 'learned' that be, its a

which

shows

that of the was of

it

character this the later

a value of acquired on which this pieces But socially it was what in not the

occurs ever

does these

meanings figures esteem

may and as

symbolism occurrence near-eclipse Similarly,

widespread. on the belt show that

significant held in lowest Knowledge

archaistic.

high in status and

symbol.

fecundity

figures temple probably

are relief. early

among use of

non-human the garment

in Egyptian beings as a symbol were

or

Restrictions be extended

in to

the the

symbolic penis

range

of

the

belt forms

with of about not statue expect

and in

strips the the

should sheath may

not have of be

sheath.

Different and figures

different the object extended On grounds

to wear the

symbolic as worn to the of

connotations, by fecundity worn, one for would

as major

deductions should the

meaning

automatically Cairo fecundity

fact they do

form status
sheaths

by example, not necessarily

divinities,

CG 38068.35 figures
not.36

same

The

material

relating

to

the

penis

sheath

is

inadequate

for

any

proper

typology.

31 32

As Cf. des nuchs

Pantheon in: 21, by Westendorf, implied dans F. Jonckheere, l'figypte L'eunuque et leurs sciences 7, 1954, applications in ancient Principles, Brooklyn The 51.230,: Brooklyn may as a figures a relief very Statues is much Egypt?, 127 in: f. D. [J. Museum Fs 121 Wilson, f. 58. Five

1963,

275. in: the Revue de of l'histoire Kadish, Eu remarks

pharaonique, and 145,

33 3 *

Schafer, E.g. 1951-1956, on fecundity and executed solution

Cooney],

always MMA 25.6 pis-aller.

30-31; 1956, be mistakes, (Hayes,

art collecting Egyptian of this phenomenon Examples on as carefully composed though a such 110) I, 180, Scepter fig. years pi. of 55.

35 36

Daressy, another For status may carry in

6. de divinites, 23; pi. cf. of such distinctions example a west Man N.S. in: Sepik village, of them other form like any clothing.

Gell, 6,

Penis 1971,

sheathing 165-81. Penis

and

ritual

sheaths

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

11

The

fecundity

figure

data

are

not

the of

only the

ones

relevant There

to is

the also of

con the 'read sta

sideration possibility, it ing' tuette a penis way belt

cnh-sign. examined by way 58.19237 which Drawn a pair . This was may out of up

the

right

Westendorf, on a figure. shows be as a god

The wearing in

Brooklyn sheath

interpreted

this

7). (fig. shown as (|| the

a diagram, with the it gives five lines, suggest belt an itself, Egyptian would The be that the shown could,38 the two

strands: on loop the only and the of the garment, be very top of the

might the way

sign

figure hanging of such bility mation 2003839 cannot is of by not likely these several originate of may also strips a form of in

unambiguous straight side

pieces straight. But the

would the form British

taking a rare the

schematically to fig. close as an added loop of

prototype some Cairo possi confir CG

7.

alternative find

element on

may the

and be

cnh-sign, Museum stela

found

stela

Tjetji*0:

explained to be a variant examples writers, in the be the removes that

as

a mistranscription of the hieroglyph,

. This form jk from the hieratic,41 and so rare. The existence however disregarded the sign Whatever occur of case form on point
also The in B.V.

Jfcquier's the 'stiff

already objection,**2 side of projections of cloth the of the belt.

could the the

explanation and sign, The is later

37

strips floppy stiff projections, in the Fischer's of be #. the

omitted

standard

form simply stela

supports well

a variant may

suggestion , and to be read from

floppy strips a variety for form an early that Qnh.*3 The a palaeographical
14-15; ancient cf. photo art, below,

on

reasons. of m the of
Bothmer Museum -

product,

38 39 ** 41 *2 43

in: Miscellanea Wilbouriana 1, 1972, Wildung, to J. of L. Keith, Brief the department guide 7 is traced from the 24. latter. 1970, Fig. The non-circular form would be unexpected, but Most recently: H. Brunner, 596, n. no. 44. II, of Fischer's 51, Hieroglyphische 7. Here the sign

Brooklyn

Chrestomathie, reads no. ms. 534. On

. p. 21 Wiesbaden the

1965, relevance

pi.
BM 614: of Cf. In: In: this the

8 (with
PM cf.

bibliography).
possible

I2/2, below in

forms 11, 5,

BIFAO MMJ

1914,

M811er, Palaographie 127-8. 15. The validity

1972,

assumption

in

his

fig.

14

that

SL
is as the

and
doubtful. by other signs

flh

are
By his

the

same object
admission and of it what

with
it is rests they

the
in

lateral
case

strips
by on the the

turned
vessel

different
he

ways

own

contradicted any

early reproduce

examples, 'views'

hypothesis

publishes, that

represent.

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12

John

B a

n e

s SAK 3

view,
influenced

of

a fusion
its

or
shape.44

confusion

of

4t

and

> m

might

also

have

figure

figure

The

on Brooklyn 58.192 is garment in two of the reliefs from Djoser Jn the free these garment from
intended.

probably the step an to it

than

the

same

as

that

worn

by 8-9).45 which is not

there was

seems fastened

to

have and

been

complex pyramid (fig. to the show way in attempt the is penis. to hard
on the

attached so that

The see

detail what

inconsistencies,46
The sheath is

precisely
and

was

smaller

that

statuette,

the
to

scrotum
make the

is
form

shown;
on the

these
statuette

differences
more

may
impressive

be

the

result
(see also

of

an
above

attempt
n. 22).

There
&3-statue traces ****

is

one
of

further
Awibrec outer

hypothetical
Hor.47 strips in In good

case
colour

of

the

garment
the same

on
this positions

a king:
shows as

the
clear on

photographs

of

two

approximately

The and them. the

ms-sign to the It 'penis is

j|| belt made sheath'

, with of

although strips, fur (cf. on

strikingly not does

similar as EG far 465 as no.

to in the shape I know alternate F. 31), was. as I

forms with suggest

discussed of any that

*5
**6 t*7

Tracings
See CG also Some of 259;

from Firth
above, these n.

the

Gardiner, Nacrmer palette

probably

Quibell,

Step Pyramid

II,

pi.

15 (fig.

8).

42

(fig.

9).

23.

have been and eliminated in plaster may ultimately paint. n. comments Statuen und Statuetten 7. esp. I, by Borchardt, 166, are two nail There the holes above another for gar attaching presumably penis, or part same ment Das one. For the colour W. Westendorf, cf. of photographs Lon alte Museum Baden-Baden [S. Cairo, 96; 1968, Donadoni], Xgypten, Egyptian don etc. 80. 1970, cf.

This content downloaded from 145.236.15.206 on Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:03:01 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

13

the

Brooklyn

statuette.

The

missing

central

part

of

the

garment

must

be

one

of

two: belt

the

normal no known

belt obvious

with

strips. whereas be

The the

makes is

strips, sense and

or is

the not

penis found and

sheath on

with

sheath The

from reliefs
same

the

appropriate.
context,

Djoser
the

cited, examples show a ritual of

would be

kings, would obviously in a regeneration

meaningful here.

mortuary

and

associations

The

divine

wig for

on of the

the the

statue royal

presentations is normal few statue ations By in sign Early other of of

examples Djoser the

king.1*8 in of a king from the north sexual rare form and to be

it, places along more nearly in a context divine k3, It is perhaps one of relevance that the side divine of the should hieroglyph cases a penis a single are So
of

also

with

all

other than of

re

the

wig step

is

on

the

well-known The associ

pyramid.4*9 be is

k3 with the

fertility of the

also it

considered.50 to the added. but meant to see nh

with analogy the Brooklyn as a belt

statuette with appear third more

in

parallel which of

an

possible to allusion has of are been

already to consist
see an

^nh-sign by the of

strips to

sheath piece that is

made forms piece.52

material,51 evidently legitimate

dynasty one than

a composite

found it
the

perfectly
same date.

cnh-sign

object

Whichever Brooklyn or the belt which examples, stand bottom

tenances.

of

the

views will the The is none

just pose more thicker the

statuette provide first? but it a of

The

suggested a further important vertical less

be

adopted,

problem: analogy stroke

comes

on the type the sheath itself the and with sign? is divided in careful the does an Egyptian rather its
is

it

as

sheath the
alternative

with one in

some

that possible sort of decoration, with

that

could like the

under

part

BM 1346,
assumption,

the

rest
the

as
analogy

necessary
with the

appur
belt

with later

strips, an has

has

an

sheath, penis one or more without

48 Cf., 1951, contexts. 49 50

independent in which extra sheath.

implication formal

worth

considering: might central be the be a

this

the
for

strips The

history, the the sheath, - or it might form

Au

garment, substitute was

which for the by

element,

replaced equipment surveyed.

in: sd-festival ASAE

of

the
d'une royal

garment

accompanying must be briefly

du royal, shown in ka

some, 205-15.

Barguet, Note also

sujet the that

representation k3 is frequently

51,

51

52

This is in modified 16-17. sd , pi. figure Hirmer, Lange Xgypten/Egypt E.g. zum Sedfest, et Studien AH 1, 74. cf. E. Hornung festival 1974, al., clothing, Zu den Alten des 48 above); Cf. (n. Helck, theophoren Eigennamen e.g. Barguet Wesen Ka U. des Das XF in: ..., Z&S 79, 19, 28; Schweitzer, 1954, Reichs, 71-3. 1956, 5-15 MMJ 5, in: 1972, Fischer,

Firth
vulture).

Quibell,

Step

Pyramid

II,

pi.

16 (personified

cnh).

42

(cnh held

by

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14

John

B a

i n e

SAK 3

It

can

have and

from four are

one53

to

six

three tend which is very be

commonest. pairs of only found

two strips

(fig. Where (e.g. one already

are

654) the fig.

strips

number 2b). of

to

into separate cannot consist schematic,

Cases where

down, hanging although is even of strips they The form with three strips, unless of
almost

piece on
shown

cloth verso
could

the the

rendering pa
be taken

is

the

Nacrmer
always

lette.55

to the

simplifications, wearer.56 The in detail.

as method The and

the of

two

shown

garment its

tying is almost

mostly align the central always

neatly knot worn is

on

the

scarcely

thighs ever low

of

figures, ranking It is found very rigidly is not which strip leaving do not that variant
complete

to

define

use is widespread on deities.58 occasionally status the of its wearers, is for a most the at striking here:

confined Although it is

by relatively to the Old it clear does that not

Kingdom.57 seem status

this

There high. is relevant of cloth the

looped

argument the waist Since this

most at Meir,59 found form, clearly a garment a is simply that two ends with the forward, hanging the genitals of fecundity the as and
part.

genitals to be appear a two-strip lacks

garment

exposed.

figures if assumption the Meir that the

form

exposed, is schematic. element

consits

disposition It looks to cover

of more

very

supports much

a further
therefore

the

genitals,
than one

It

can,

therefore, might it is be

be

seen

strips

ings,60 the outer a tongue object thesis penis the

53

explicable more likely

that, although on the lines that most forms

the of

original or Barta's more

of

the

belt

with

Fischer's

draw otherwise

are The belt So

complex;

to be looped. would have strips above of material the projecting of material. made of a single strip that the central forms not
La a Abusir, Ier, n. pi. 30; 12. also

of presence widespread an is incompatible with it be that not is a a reasonable substitute show conflict analogies with
du p. 338; roi

strip of the with

des ASAE

or

sheath. cnh-sl.gn
E.g. von

The are
Bissing,

strips sheath strips,

trois

might itself and

saisons

for

hypo a with such

worn

do
du 3 d

chambre in: 27;

sanctuaire after 1.

(Ve dynastie) Sesostris st* 55 56 57 58 59 60 See In above, e.g.

53, Pepi

Posener,

1956, pi. Premiere II, 1/2, , pi. perse, pi.

Lacau pi.

domination fig. 5. 5. with II, a back pi.

perse,

Rathoures Chevrier, 4.

Jequier, Xgypten/Egypt domination in is worn e.g. II, 3 = Davies, pi. 25,2. 5,

Lange

Posener, E.g. New In the covering Naville, pi. 10. Blackman, 39B. III, Z'AS 98, the

Hirmer, Premiere it

Kingdom

Deir 11. Meir 41. 1970,

buttocks; el Bahari

conjunction Rekh-mi-Rec 55 For (two other

piece 39.

probably Abydos Atlas III, I,

of

leather,

examples); examples fig. 14.

Calverley, cf. Wresz.,

II, 6, fig.

pi.

405;

5;

MMJ

1972,

13,

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

15

an

association. status:

The

suppression the evidence but divinities, it

of for appears

the the not

sheath garment to be and

could in worn

be the by

explained dynastic native the to have

on period Egyptians, king.61 been explain with that after contexts, slight the

of grounds is singularly being Of these seen ing the the the and value

sparse, for

reserved three

wearing why the

categories it. If this with

foreigners, the only foreigners is accepted it may which by sign be humble are produces

occasionally are likely some way go the closest

towards analogy the fact

strips, worn is mostly nh-sign, associations main of the two the as separated garment a symbol. of for there without There and would its is

belt

people, with the

despite divine

a radical central substantial divine

bifurcation part and here would

sphere;62 in their have had

original a thus nh to the

congruence royal can and be the

between sphere. found belt with in with two

restriction Some support

sheath the

development forms As of noted

sketched the

detailed strips. distinct (and not In the examples at from the the to of behind and
pi. n. is it. belt are 7) 49).

elements the

nh-sign the above, in appears as

nh-sign the third by there

dynasty

'A
figure

Ik
10

stated fourth, fourth dynasty early with of a belt strips edge, body in all cases

Fischer63). are several has a loop

which the edge It the

furthest is possible

1064). profile (fig. on a second loop imagine This and

tomb of

other that of the

side was form

Meir 154-5 I, with

the

Sayce's
61

original
are el-Bersha statement

linking
the cases d3mw

garment. of belt
in the

may sign.65
Senbi

be

the Details

form

Exceptions and the Ucko's wrong; Senbi's is tied

at

Meir

(Blackman, 1, 1972, was he 1-4 examples Fischer, divided of the

for only sheath as in fig.

out MW in: pointed by Wildung, PRAI that (in: 57) 1969, sheath-wearing the does the evidence predynastic period as of is interest it could parallel fig. 2a. It should be noted that all the

'widespread' cites support the in form; on in: horizontal amount of kings ZXS

62 63

6**

in: LdX 1/2, 1973, 16-28. 1973, seem In: It MMJ 5, does 14. 1972, but the fourth in dynasty, begin on extant signs. Tracing 18. 24. on Egypt vance The A. the fromWres., It 28,2. Nacrmer , pi. 5) of this here Atlas is worth a is III, noting the main with

funerary. Cf. Derchain,

168-9; that this

RSRG, examples a be may

418-20; with question

loo, strips detail 10-12. is found

92C. that

Other a

palette: wears

belt doubtful.

captive three

Medum, examples: Petrie, pi. rather different looped garment on the verso Hirmer, (Lange from it. looped strips hanging

Xgypten/ The rele

approximate H. Gardiner, a found chance

form Ancient

of

fig. Egyptian this

is

found

in

the

sixth Chicago the in

dynasty 1936, style pi. of

(Nina 2). the

Davies This fourth is

probably as is 65 In:

Petrie,

survival, at commonly 33. Medum,

perhaps time.

I, paintings an archaism

dynasty,

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16

John

B a

i n

s SAK 3

number analogy after and

of

strips the

are

variable.

This looped the side

type

offers

a particularly and

close

with the

nh with form

key n. 55)

comparable belt cannot, however, looped as the three-strip to them, and in The the three dimensions

of

pieces, The sign.66 the exhaust belt on is found

shortly disappears nh of looped equation or the provide analogies as on early a vase is in relief the the (above, step less acknow be to that assume be shown equi hanging This it in from none

pyramid.67 of favour ledged. was lost that valent down

near-contemporary connection, no after good later this and

a hh-figure demise of of can would of the in the its be

the

two

Since soon

perhaps evidence It by way

being produced necessary belt, loops

explicitly it may here would be which would

period.

be the side

related and sign garment to the of the top loop as in nature stiff and not association the 'Isis-knot'. concomitant a departure an object be use the of used meant of the would . The for makes

sign; as the

schematic and sign

hieroglyph.68 very with lashing of contexts. closely divided at the

postulated to indeed zontal probably stylisation the 9and

garment form the of the

related hori middle, and Part between of

The with

strips, denotes as

indications

anh-sign of

from in to

origins ritual reinforce seems

and and

knowledge distinction in

them,

symbolic the

stylisation and ft the reason's

two

to

overlap from One sheath the

many

contexts, less should with with as

of

distinction, , are of to not

apart clear. as a

obviously and a belt as a belt

exclusive noted as a

character between the the may with on

w3s).7^

(} associations loop is

difference

be strips: in

sheath it

strips
Westendorf's

be

reduced

integral to the
A

*fthe

strips

analogy, a simple with

allusion

but

'handle1,
to the meaning

suggestion.69

conceivable

the

belt

occurrence
(later

strips Shu.70
Other

and Shu

the is

sheath associated
are,

may

be with
however,

seen anh

in and

their Tefenet

occasional with m3 t

explanations

possible.

66

It the

is top

possible loop,

that the belt

a in

single

loop

67 68

plausible Firth

asymmetry

merely being the garment.

only *

was support) 104,

meant but 1-2 a to belt

in

the this to

relief would be over

examples imply a kilt. an

(i.e. im

69
70

Step Quibell, the loops By dividing n. 30). 5; above (fig. on horizontals, again

II, pi. Pyramid on a belt with This the may be

seems

strips likened that

assumption 81; Mariette, Shu and n. 317;

at be arrived belt may six-strip the the form of with divided sign top loop. I, on also pi. the 39b. vase In view the of the step 106. close pyra

In:

ZXS 92,
of also

1966,
Seti of be in: der I,

152.
pi. Abydos the figure See 67). E. Winter, Zeit, Noblecourt, from

Cenotaph relationship mid may Cf. Volten, Tempelreliefs in: ZDMG

/z/z-figures relevant AcOr 25,

(above, I960,

71

121,

1971,

griechisch-romischen Desroches 120-21;

pi. pGreenfield, zu den Untersuchungen agyptischen Wien D0AW 98, 85-8; 1968, Wildung, Mon. Piot in: 59, 1974, b-8,

n.

3.

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

17

Bonnet72 nh-sign lower part standardised such value

and out

Westendorf73, to with

of

kings, facing king, was considered the As the sign especially significant. the a from third is much form, very dynasty, any unity, to one part attached would be a hyper-archaism, in doubtful since the the identification most of sign (the could and garment 'glans* be of can the for meant be reserved

remarking the loop

on

the

way the

in

which

gods deduced

hold that

the the

particular to make sheath).74 the mately be sign

the

loop At all the held

events, bottom, by the

part prominent reasons other whether

penis holding ulti

at to be

grasped75), that thought

the most

aesthetic, the part

receiver, or other.

(the practical case in which It

imagined nh may be it can

pointing

towards

could, indeed, the recipient

conveniently as well be just was held to be

important.

To

summarise, a particular ing with the strips, strips, belt or a

possible form of two versions

analogies penis of on the sheath; the

discussed 2 with analogy

nh a penis being that

and

garments sheath and

are:

1 with

accompany the either belt

probably

garment replaced is clear but all it the

secondary 3 could be a version by something to constitute enough the are from idea the more

addition.

assumption It may, the of 2 with

possible; the top be

3 with loop is

further, all

status-indicator

that suggested and removed only association; As almost BM 1346

neutral.

supports data

that Old

the Among like proof anything the other analogies

examples of the were

meant.

whether dynasty, second

only origins;76 even evolution 72 73 7i* if

knowledge and more millennium

or earlier it must be doubted Kingdom was widespread after of the connection about the fourth a piece of esoteric than lore the middle of the by B.C.. One must with Fischer's that agree implication
of the are to meaning sign not them in the than time. can be entire us and The cited issue, also latest as evidence and tells the us allusions of later about may its material, the of

very

early but wrong, of the is

forms origins nearer sign's

419. R&RG, In: Z&S 92, Whether

75 76

152. 1966, or the as an object viewed the whole of mo Egyptians penis glans of is unknown; the occur existence the desty practices, circumcising operation at the onset of and of the favour ring puberty adoption clothing, might glans, but is not H. A history cf. of medicine New York conclusive; I, 1967, Sigerist, de Wit, La circoncision les chez anciens in: Z&S 99, 243-4; 1972, egyptiens, PRAI 51. in: 41-8; Ucko, 1969, the Cf. In: the MMJ groups 5, 1972, of signs 14-15. held by a king, e.g. Borchardt, Ne-user-rec, pi. 16.

This content downloaded from 145.236.15.206 on Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:03:01 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

18

John

B a

i n e

SAK 3

course in one

merely modern is that

be

later

writer's insufficent we may however, if the

reinterpretation It should view. to prove some that is in

which be

to be happens the reiterated that single near it origin in the the may for early

correct evidence the sign. of those

examined The fact

any of we its are

witness suggest origin

evolution fairly object,

dynastic

may, period its history;

discussed.

a single

beginning be one of

Most in
There

of this

Jequier's article
to

to objections77 have been mentioned

be considered his

the

idendifications above, implicitly

on colour.

of or
The

reviewed

explicitly.
only coloured

remain

remarks

case tie, often

of while

the

penis the belt

sheath with as

worn strips

by

fecundity is mostly colouring with the twoand

figures coloured or as

is

red

with

a green

being

patterning. the colour There that above, the is the no

explicable colours These being attested

symbolic conflict in both

white, exceptions a function of colour blue cnh-sign,7B examples. not be view do is not assumed given reflect the

generally three-dimensional it should

reconciling green standardised of the sign, and which Egyptian

this indicates

rare that

difference, a vegetable dynasty reasonable It and blue

and

fourth the not only realistic.

origin.79 and later

On the forms

origin colour is that green.82 Q.

symbolic , with In the

is

assumption in particular connect colour the with

that

Jequier80 system

Barta81 is the

noteworthy is sign, the greatest

77 78

In: Listed

BIFAO Old

11,

1914,

126-34. examples

one and red 5 blue each 6 black, and include green rare a substitute as yet the for black is 368-74); probably (Smith, Sculpture, on the 7 of Djehutinakhte include The Boston blue coffin pigment. paintings cases 6 blue B. Terrace, black with and white (two (E. L. top loops) Egyptian 27. 28. 26. 17. 22. 23. of the London 16. Middle 1968, Kingdom, pi. paintings are and more 31. the 32. 37. blue executed). 43; carefully mostly larger signs Kingdom III-IV Calverley, Abydos other colours contexts; a certain amount of is contains occur among more than 50 blue representations blue colouring, nh-signs of furniture perhaps in distinctive etc. because of (there the

'superfluous' 1914, 135.

79 80 81 82

prestige Jequier,

of in:

blue). BIFAO 6.

11,

142-3. Ibid., In: Z&S 98, E.g. Calverley,

1970,

Abydos,

passim.

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

19

symbolic be could It any the is

prestige,83 found for the links the word

and it scope nh. that here, of

it

is

unlikely

that many article

any

although the the One or present two

guesses to of the

specific can be consider form suffice. in

reference made. in of the detail sign and

beyond

possible use of

between

associations comments should and So It as will of any the the has

must be

Comparative assigning evidence of same the the on Here erect sexual that, the

material meanings they were

suggests to the use

great penis

caution sheaths

taken

of

like obvious

without

explicitly.8* acknowledged should be disregarded. garment mostly of possible symbolic applications a sexual case evidence for meaning sign evidence is this the is and that garment; the penis that the the

reference the In

virtually

range present link bet

other

ween

any extension was associated likely referent however, with would for be the be relation of

primarily must this with would the be

garment. be from be word with

based nh. the

further there penis; to

problem not normally erection. in nh is

the

penis minimal penis or less

sheath, grounds (above, 'learned' of virtual

>

which for p. it. 3 in An ).

tends

prevent the sheath on

I have, some cases virility evidence would

nfr at

given erect more

equating Any possible of

play as there a

and no

character, example

learned
cnh

allusion
and"

widespread knowledge the alternation and

(e.g. nfr-hprw-rQ

equivalence
nh-hprw-r ).

between

el-Amarna

This

may

be

paralleled

in

the

occasional

alternation

of

and

83

H.

Kees, remarks

Farbensymbalik that blue plays 224-5). As an fecundity always all of should (ibid. scarcity as as the of For example

in no

part

agyptischen in the

religiosen colour point symbolism seem may blue are one

in: Texten, texts in obvious, may cite

NAWG

1943,

466-7,

Minerals, out here. sets of but blue

pictures of the

cf. (but cannot and the in colouring earlier seems it symbolic MMA New of of of tests

Harris, set be of schemes, to have York blue the defective of termino

figures: comes first, other colour colours.

of primacy blue and green while the in Ransom

superseded applications 55) 1931, and black original colour logy The cluded, applies separate

decoration (The be restricted to secular is more 53-8) plausibly of she blue and suggests. vision. is has that . For a possibly The

complementary Graeco-Roman period Williams's reservations of tomb of Per-Neb, the contexts. explained of colour described The as a

on

interchange

vision, as much in this to -

tests

by-product than terminology to be appear

loop

nh-sign

white graphic enclose

even and

on not

coloured

probably many signs as with *?

84

blanks, G. cf. e.g. examples Graz 24. 99. 107. 97. 105. ari, 1971, fig. seems reverse it that true is often and the that is sometimes Indeed, sheathing a sign or of or may even a relative sublimation of confining go with sexuality to indifference it Man N.S. in: in: PRAI (cf. Heider, 4, 379-91; Ucko, 1969, in: n. Man N.S. See also 25. 1969, 49-57; Gell, 165-81). 6, 1971, esp. above,

symbolic even if

con As Jequier the convention significance; the blank is not completely H. Goedicke, Nofret Thausing backgrounds.

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20 John

B a

i n e

s SAK 3

between
meaning

a pair
'penis'

of
for

wd3t-eyes
nfrwae

at
one

the
might

tops
arrive

of

stelae.85
at a sexual

By way

of

the

association

for

nh.

Further where is

evidence the

for

this

may of

be

seen

cankhamun, jmnw and twt penis great

found

equivalent both odd be

ithyphallic to the as should by of can

form seated they read the

texts.88

Amun

a cryptogram reads apparently in holding images, this of the

links

of twt-

Tut nh

Amon-rec are nh. standard All

an

describes as the

figures, element confirmed

period

nh-sign.e7 so that the at as

of this

could, penis

remove,
in

designation
But tenuous

a very h wsort

nh

Graeco-Roman

are of (i.e. the into 'vital

like a

very nh is air) king's this,89

little

in

the air, and

way as in it

normally of life' nose. to

evidence, be seen

when in the

the

dominant

association cnh 'breath to

countless would cnh go

the always

examples be

phrase of nh to read

t_3w nj

Although assume that be

perhaps no means

here

possible meant anything evidence.

nh-G0D, case) would

presented being hidden meanings loaded personal

the allusions god

more Early

than names
named to a is

force'
nh-k3j,90

would
or (by

to

beyond
form the

the
nj-

where fit

creator

god

sexual

meaning

better, 'life
Better

but (comes)
support

in

the

case with

of

nh-m-cj-hrw
the analogy.

from/is
for a

Horus'

slightly it would
may

later be
be

name bold
seen in

like to press
the

sexual

reference

fact sexual between can

85

that one; the

the

process in the

of

creation that word the

20754. 22139; Note be ... on coloured Alnwick

is spell

portrayed this Again, out

in

Egyptian thereis best

but

texts the

as a myths no obvious link evidence that and

is the

process is

and

nh.9^

the between

be

produced
20068. with ^ at S.

indirect:
20079.

relationship
A this also further be of may that the red, Castle, noted e.g. in

Geb,
in this to of N Q

Nut
context associations ,

Shu
the

CG E.g. sun-disk between element ded 20556. of the in

20277.

alternand relevance interior Durham London text;

CG rays, e.g. the sun-disk. and point, all Catalogue visible at Abydos, may

this Birch,

20593,

86 87 88 89 90

(?). 49,2 26,2. 50.1 is 52,1. 63,1-2. 65,4. 64,1. probably Again nos. to seem the to sun and show the in different sun-disk; 55,2 74,1 Simpson's of sur and .J. reflexions Q phases, by means Bergman, 'Quelques nfr Q XXIXe des Resumes des international orientalistes, nfr.t Congres nfrw\ some Sections Paris has of these motifs discussed Communications, 1-5, 1973,9-10, some and sexual associations of nfr(w). The published abstract of little gives the content of the study. Wb II, 8. 261, 260,7. great god (= CG 20556). Philadelphia A. Wb Cf. Helck, With meant Wilkinson, I, e.g. in: nfrw more PT 196, 9. in: 1954, consider superficial ZAS 29; 92, see along 1966, also these 'beautiful 152; above, lines in 94, n. 1967, 50. that respect 148-9. Ancient Egyptian jewellery, London 1971, 130-31, fig. 59-60.

and plates New Haven

1953 1943, CG 20188. 188(J; W. K. Simpson,

normal recor (not 20383. The terrace

nos. 1974, the allusion

Westendorf, ZXS 79, one than might the

names of

like beauty

nfr-nfrw-jtn/r0 is Yati'

etc..

91

E.g.

1652-3.

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

21

in link and

the

myth sexual It

in

which

Geb and

and air,

Nut where

are

potency may, in

Nut.

then,

be

significant form,93 of Geb

seem in some way parted might Shu the (air)92 parts copulating that in such contexts Geb is that of he course, and and Isis is also what shown wearing

to Geb some a the

times penis rule of are Nut'. not

shown sheath.94 of

ithyphallic The potency

and is,

human-style The detail yet entirely

- Osiris on earth gods of any such association, n. 92). clear (but cf.

being the role

originates the in it

'children of Shu,

In

conclusion,

some

formal

aspects

of

nh-sign

symbolism,

relatively

unrelated An

to

the

foregoing

discussion, of Thus, a direct show a the sign

may

briefly lead

be to that

surveyed. the the neglect of

over-rigid some symbolic loop of the as

interpretation references.

may

Schafer's

view95

disks, by

forbids sign both of these pieces of

relationship or flattened true It of is the most

with

mirrors

elongated or sun is contradicted sun has

circle, that is

several to
into

evidence. the
of

anything
later

do with
its range

origin
association.

improbable it but sign,

the

certainly

drawn

In

the

loop

of

an

nh-sign

that

served

as

mirror-case

the

name

of

Tutcankhamun form
the

is scene
serving

written where
as

above the
the

a young

lotus

flower,96 appears
a solar

This on
scene.

is a

an lotus,
In

allusive so
the

of
loop

the
is

sun-god
for

that

framework

companion

piece

the -

disk or

on

the

head

of

cnh-sign that this

92 Cf.

of a perhaps is loop equivalent

a hh-figure lotus leaf (see to a sun disk.

is

given

below).

of an loop shape can be no doubt There the

in:

= The is Shu cf. air Zandee, life, Spruch Sargtexte equation RXRG, 685. ZXS 216; 101, Assmann, 65; Lieder, Winter, Untersuchungen 1974, Liturgische as a creative n. on its and On air/wind association 85-6. force, (above, 71), nh 83-93; strikingly Dizionario, MW in: in J. cf. esp. Morenz, 88. in Agyptische 92-3. pBM pi. 1, 10008, 166, 155, 1. n. und which 167, altorphische shows Geb on fig. the Turin und Torino to the Kosmogonie, falling 418. coffin away cited 29. in: from is Fs Schubart, cf. also re Zeich This is not the

80,

with 76. 93 9t* Most Lanzone, Wildung,

Nut; no.

p.

produced und nungen form of the 95 96 In: H. Z&S 68,

1972, Der Omlin, sheath

Inschriften, penis 1-7 1932, The tomb of 271 c-d.

Papyrus Mus. Cat. that

53; 55001 Eg.

2236,

seine 3,

satirisch-erotischen 1973, pi.

relates

nh-sign. etc. 1933, pi. 21B; Carter

Carter, nos. obj.

Tut.ankh.Amen

III,

London

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2 2 John

B a

i n e

s SAK 3

Apart

Amarna

loops. disk-shape a has sign script normally pendant are some cases there where the is indicated , so sign by "J" serves as disk the This has the additional loop.97 significance a monogram text of producing as a determinative jtn nh; reading a meaning such is particularly (njhh appropriate. the sun-disk in the hieroglyphic tomb dynasty derived are lost). line a flat,
The sense

from

un-disk-shape

disks

there

are

also

At ^ that in for

el J the con

A comparable play a late eighteenth bread, pile of the of the of probably loaves,99 group is is

on

signs relief.98 from into the

is

found two

in

London, with steep nh the a dj

UC 408, piles conical (the whole, The bottom and loop is

nhw

Here type

altars

of

formally modelled The

with

a rebus ^ to which
be a

horizontal t

of circular
of the

of triangle is equivalent loaf,

whole

reading encloses the

from
may

altar-top. a further
pun:

series
the

layered
'pro

vertically.

double

visions'
circular.

on

the

altar

'give

life'.100

Again,

the

loop

of

the

is

The
into

relationship
a much more

of
perilous

nh-signs,
area

disks
of

and
symbolism.

lotuses
The

just
latest

mentioned
example

leads
of the

form would
relatively As

M-

in

Egypt, expect
an

mentioned either
alternative papyrus and the

above -ror
in umbel

n. M
such and

18,

is

on

a catafalque with
is or may or on the might variant than a papyrus leaf serve conceivably basis

where *

one

normally
early

alternating
a lotus scheme flower here

. From
swathe.101

geometric

shapes

are to

easily make an of X-dd that plau

interchangeable, sible a conscious

material of between being a remote the

presented the two. similarity,

exploitation confusion scheme

unintentional in the an alternating

Simply nh-dd of sign nh. and

probably variant between

one The swathe

posit with normal,

papyrus a

swathe closer

was

TT and

produces

resemblance

might
97 98 99 100

suggest

an

early

origin
no. relief on in IV D

for

the

device.

Further

support

might

E.g. Uphill, E.g. The

CoA

II, 49, pi. A New Kingdom

16. from a Memphis, 195/189, private is Die swathes alia in: JEA 48, 1962, 162-3. as kings, der A. M. regno, 188. fig. monument is mostly Katze by im fine

Schafer,

101

presence active whether as to givers E.g. 73, Roveri, pi. 23, Wresz., 1937, I 73,

Kunst/Principles, of the object or passive kings. Atlas fig. I, 3; 405; pi.

meaning,

surprising, to restricted Fenster dell'antico iiber cf.

dj

cnfy, and gods ZAS

Hermann, For 8a. dalle 39.

themselves

in: Tiir, Donadoni Roma

sarcofagi 1-2. 24-5.

egizi 27. 30.

origini

1969,

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1975

cAnkh-sign,

belt

and

penis

sheath

23

be

found

in

cases

where

hh-iigure

replaces

the

Qnh

element,102

since

= sw ft/z The fans fans appear formula lotus in of links held are

nh, between by in be

as

an nh

association and the Qnh either extent of visually of the

of lotus

ideas may

if

not

as

literal

equivalent. the The and

personified the to form some figures

(and w3s) of a lotus a concrete z3 king: the idea III,

an suggest in a number leaf or of a

with analogy of contexts.103 lotus of dt the etc. flower,

to

realisation nh nh. h3jf is This the nb

behind would

protective so that most

the

express plaque

shown

a carnelian the

Amenhotpe

where

occur not that

ddt phrase in a variety

nh of

h3js roles,

necessarily a similar vessels on still it

be generalised association of published the lack stand. is not x large symbolise

like

Personified (= Tiye).10** and the interpretation It would among them. lotus and Qnh already His link; Fischer.105 symbolic

cn7z-figure nh and

graphically forms part w3s of course should to two idea assume early is

just given be tempting linked the of the

dynastic based partly will tions From there

by of

any

rejection but his

technical

objec

step nh.

to

elsewhere
of many

sometimes
cn/z-patterns

suggesting In this way

flowers106

that the
or

lotus floral
decorated

motifs composition
spoons107

might

wreaths

of

might where
these

gain the
patterns

added nh-sign,

significance. largely
have the

Just restricted
same

as

ffi to the
less

is

a permissible sphere, the is

symbol not,

divine
explicit

might

more

or

reference

where for the

the

itself sign associations content usage

the

could is

not

be

employed.

Whether or some

a formal But a
of

resemblance it be might lotus flower,

to the king's

starting-point in similarity to cite be

the

symbolic liar
compared

is

unknown. of sniffing and

relevant which
nose.

the

fami

secular
with

could
At

remotely
same time

offering

the

symbolism

of

birth

youth

attaching

to

the

lotus

in

a mythological

102 103 104

E.g. Calverley, Firth E.g. MMA 26.7.1339,

105 106 107

29 I, Abydos pi. 40-41. 15-17. II, pi. Step Pyramid Quibell, art New Kingdom in e.g. C in ancient Aldred, Egypt, II facing in: JEA 3, best illustrated p. 100; 1916, 1961, pi. pi. cf. 142. Goedicke, Nofret-ari, possible parallel fig. Thausing In: MMJ 5, 5-17. 1972, latter Abydos the de II, pi. floral Loffel, toilette 39-40. lO-ll; Fischer, patterns

73.

London2 For

E.g. Calverley, In both the Cf. Wallert, des 27. bowl

Verzierte objets 31. 33-4. motif).

Catalogue 22. 23. as the

36.

6a-b. in: Z&S 1973, 25, 100, fig. be may meaningful. specifically 17. 21-3. J. Vandier 26-7; d'Abbadie, pi. nos. Musee du Louvre, Paris 1972, egyptiens, a cartouche 57 with 42. examples (including

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24 John

B a

i n

s SAK 3

context, dom,108 ship at Meroe, lotus It may

although be might where its

not

attested distant At

in

the

visual in late

record the period TT

before

the of may one

a further and lotus.

motif a very

background support has in

New King a relation be case found a

between

a decorative and to in bring from

elements

motif another the the

in be in

loop,

resembling ,1 9 4L attestation allusion

Kingdom

possible time
or

of

the just

form

TT

little if
are

later
corative

(apart
amuletic

Meroitic
on New

mentioned)
figures

de
con

religious

sidered;110 is vague. and

these

certainly

resemble assumption (largely

the that female)

extra

form paired in
element

strongly, strips the New

on

but forming Kingdom

the

connection of covert
the

Westendorfs's divine
concerns

royal
cn/z-signs111

clothing
a

part are
but

comparable

garments,

allusion

is

much of

vaguer

still; kilts that

and etc.

it or

is

not

clear

whether tied belts and

the are

parts forming An additional types Any need rely further

may be.

tend search not,

to for

complex is problem be red,112 further be on

objects the whereas or

separately Erler's of both nh-sign is

strips meant.

Westendorf's

blue. of and the may But the links sign even the

decorative limited

symbolic of

associations its shape, criteria.

therefore, such

exclusively any

contextual is

by details rather than the more

formal

search

pushed,

hypothetical

108 109 110

S.

Morenz

J.

E.-Chr. Dunham, pi. Cf. Erler,

StrauB, RCK IV, 5lC.

Der Schubert, Die Nunschale, 138, des fig. Lebens would clothing on complex 33. 40 (white for 90,

Gott

auf der Blume, Miinchen MXS 30, no. 21-3-58. 168, n. reason 7), fig. seem

Ascona 1974. fig. 8-9. more III, I. 109

1954, top L

68-9;

cf.

(21-3-160)

111
112

Symbol

(above, this cf. kilts and

In:
An of

ZXS 92,
analogy on

1966,
with $ female 7.

152.
appropriate. pi. between 13. 17. I. red 32. 6. For 33. and 35. Calverley, mostly red); Abydos alternate IV, pi. examples 40. On blue,

strips extra kings cf. ibid.,

strips pi.

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