Scribal Culture in Ancient Egypt

Catalog description

Rarely do we refer to contemporary writers, authors, scholars, and artists as “scribes.” However, in studies of pre-modern cultures, this term delineates a broad category of literate people with diverse writing abilities and habits. In ancient Egypt, traces of their activities are found as graffiti, depictions of them are scattered in tomb paintings, and their reflections on the prestige of education and a mastery of specialist knowledge are detailed in poetry, monumental inscriptions, and school exercises. These records offer uncommon glimpses into the lives and values of educated colleagues, connoisseurs, and friends. We will trace the development of these communities of practice, consider their individual and group identities, and how they have shaped our understanding of ancient Egyptian society.