Physical Disability in Old Kingdom Tomb Scenes

Abstract

The ancient Egyptian figural art contributed to understand some aspects of Egyptian cultural heritage never treated in the inscriptional material. Egyptian art adopted certain rules among which were the representation of the kings and tomb owners in an idealistic body. This was not the same case when dealing with minor figures. This was probably responsible for depicting some of these figures with actual disabilities and deformities. This expressed cultural and social acceptance of the disabled which was supported by wisdom writings and moral teachings. This article aims to be an analytical and a descriptive study of the representation modes related to physical disability in Old Kingdom tomb scenes, their different types of portrayal and interpretations. The paper would also discuss the functions of deformed individuals and specific roles in the Egyptian society based on examining a group of Old Kingdom tomb scenes.