Ancient Egyptian Statues: Their Many Lives and Deaths

Ancient Egyptian statues were often damaged for various reasons, such as ideological, personal, or practical reasons, including erasing the memory of rulers, vengeance, war, tomb plundering, and avoiding curses. This book explores the production, meaning, destruction, restoration, and reuse of ancient statuary in Egyptian history and belief, showing how they were regarded as the active manifestations of the entities they represented and could endure many lives before being buried or forgotten.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

An intriguing and richly illustrated exploration of the role and significance of ancient statues in Egyptian history and belief, this comprehensive study delves into the enigmatic phenomenon of damaged statues. While the Late Antiquity period witnessed widespread vandalism against pagan monuments, it is evident that statues underwent various phases of reuse, modification, or mutilation throughout and after the pharaonic period. These reasons span from ideological motivations to personal vendettas, wars, tomb plundering, curse avoidance, material reuse for construction, or ritualistic deactivation and burial.

Drawing on the latest scholarship and over 100 carefully selected illustrations, Ancient Egyptian Statues provides a comprehensive examination of the production, meaning, and destruction of sculptures. It explores the role of ancient statuary in Egyptian history and belief, examining the various methods of damage and their significance. Art historian Simon Connor offers an innovative and lucidly written reflection on beliefs and practices related to statuary and images in ancient Egypt, showcasing how statues were regarded as active manifestations of the entities they represented and the ways in which they could endure multiple lives before being buried or forgotten.

This captivating study sheds light on the complex tapestry of ancient Egyptian culture, revealing the multifaceted reasons behind the damage and preservation of these magnificent statues. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in delving deeper into the rich heritage of Egypt.

ISBN-13: 9781617971341