Egyptian Models and Scenes (Shire Egyptology) [Paperback]

Angela M.J. Tooley (Author)

Book Description

Series: Shire Egyptology | Publication Date: March 4, 2008

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 prupose, 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 dynastic 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. Chapters are devoted to single figures or groups which perform a variety of tasks associated with the production of foodstuffs, its storage and its transport by offering bearer and boat. This book discusses where models are found, who owned them, what purpose they served, where abouts in the tomb they were placed and how they relate to tomb scences. An analysis of the types of models found from region to region, along with regional style, is also included.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Angela Tooley achieved a BA Hons in the Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean, specialising in Egyptology, at Liverpool University in 1984. Following study visits to Egypt and major European museums she was awarded a PhD on the subject of Middle Kingdom wooden models in 1990. He has excavated in Egypt at Amarna during the seasons 1986 and 1987 and has worked on special projects at Liverpool Museum and as Acting Assistant Keep at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, where he was responsible for the re-display of the Nubian collection. She has lectured on Nile cruises and has contributed to a number of articles to learned journals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: Shire (March 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747802858
• ISBN-13: 978-0747802853
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.2 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,660,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars exactly what I was looking for, April 7, 2008

By 

Stephen G. Hudak (Burlington, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Egyptian Models and Scenes (Shire Egyptology) (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars a short yet extremely informative book, August 11, 2000

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Egyptian Models and Scenes (Shire Egyptology) (Paperback)

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.