Egyptian Models and Scenes (Shire Egyptology)

By Angela M. Tooley

Egyptian models and scenes are frequently mistaken by the public for children's toys, particularly the model boats. But these often crude and charmingly naive figures have a much more serious purpose, namely to provide the staple diet of bread and beer for the tomb owner in the afterlife. This book follows the development of models from their origins in human servant burials at Abydos during the First Dynasty and in Old Kingdom tomb decoration, through the stone figures from Old Kingdom mastabas and wooden models of the Eleventh and early Twelfth Dynasties, to their final demise in favour of shabtis in the New Kingdom. It discusses where models are found, who owned them, what purpose they served, whereabouts in the tomb they were placed and how they relate to tomb scenes. About the author Angela Tooley has a BA Hons in the Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean, specialising in Egyptology, from Liverpool University. She was awarded a PhD on the subject of Middle Kingdom wooden models in 1990.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0747802858
• ISBN13: 9780747802853
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Shire
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.2" x 5.9"

Customer Reviews

exactly what I was looking for

This is a very concise little book, it is filled with very specific information about Egyptian models; a topic that is usually glazed over in other books. Smaller than I had anticipated but would have still purchased it, certainly a good resource, would recommend.

a short yet extremely informative book

The scenes and models found in Ancient Egyptian tombs have been misinterpreted by some as examples of childish behavior and beliefs on the part of the Ancient Egyptians, as proof in essence that they were our mental inferiors. The truth, however, is as astounding in its simplicity as it is in revealing the sophistication of their belief structures. These very scenes in fact provided the food and drink needed to sustain the tomb owner in the afterlife. This book covers the origins of these models, from their first appearances during the First Dynasty at Abydos and during the Old Kingdom, down into their final demise during the course of the New Kingdom. The models' placement within the tombs and the significance thereof, the relationship of the models to the tomb scenes, how they related to the owner and how they differed from region to region are all questions which are covered superbly in-depth in this fascinating 72-page book. Recommended for all.