The Materiality of Texts from Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt's Ramesside period at Thebes provides a unique window into the materiality of texts, revealing the intricate relationship between literacy and labor within the community of tomb workers at Deir el-Medineh. This study synthesizes foundational works by Valbelle (1985) and Hoogendijk & van Gompel (2018), updating our understanding of how these workers documented their daily lives, religious practices, and artistic endeavors through inscriptions and papyri. The research highlights the dual function of texts—both as administrative records and personal expressions—shedding light on the social dynamics and cultural significance of this closely knit community. By integrating archaeological evidence with textual analysis, the study underscores the materiality of these texts as a key to interpreting the broader societal structures of ancient Egypt.

Hoogendijk, F. A. J., & van Gompel, S. (2018). The Materiality of Texts from Ancient Egypt. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004375277