Demotic Text Regarding a Workplace Accident by Michel Malinine
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Texte démotique relatif à un accident de travail
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Michel Malinine
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Texte démotique relatif à un accident de travail
Year: 1960 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5279
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text is a detailed analysis of a demotic document related to a work-related accident, written by Michel Malinine. The document, housed in the Brooklyn Museum, consists of a limestone fragment bearing text from the Ptolemaic period. It outlines a petition made by a temple porter named Thothertaïs to the god Amon, seeking reinstatement after being dismissed due to an eye injury sustained during work. This study highlights the sociocultural implications of the petition, as well as the legal terminology and structure that suggest a developed labor code in ancient Egypt.
Economic Vulnerability and Legal Rights
One notable aspect of Thothertaïs's petition is his articulation of economic vulnerability. Referencing himself as "very poor," he employs a specific legal term - "gbj (n-)d(r.)t," which translates to "weak of hand." This designation, rather than simply asking for pity, indicates a legal recognition of his social status as temporarily insolvent. This terminology implies that Thothertaïs is invoking a set of rights available to him within the context of labor laws, appealing not only to divine compassion but also to a formal system that may protect workers facing economic hardship.
Employment History and Service Record
Thothertaïs emphasizes his long-standing commitment to the temple service, having worked there for 30 years without prior complaints about his performance. He states that he has never voluntarily abandoned his work. This portion of the petition serves to establish his reliability and professional integrity. The phrasing and structure hint at a formalized style common in legal documents, suggesting that Thothertaïs was not merely making a personal appeal but instead referencing recognized practices and standards within the temple's labor system.
Employer Accountability and Medical Costs
A crucial element of Thothertaïs's appeal involves the demand for compensation for medical treatment received due to his injury. He directly requests that "the House" (the temple) pay for his medical expenses. This demand illustrates the expectation of employer responsibility for worker injuries, indicating an understanding that the temple, as an employer, holds some accountability for the well-being of its employees. The phrasing indicates that this was not an isolated incident but rather a recognized expectation within the labor framework of ancient Egypt.
Conclusion
Through the analysis of Thothertaïs's petition, the document reflects broader social and legal themes within ancient Egyptian society. It highlights the recognition of workers' rights and the existence of an organized legal framework governing labor relations. The text suggests that injured workers could appeal for their rights, relying on both divine intercession and social norms surrounding employer responsibility. This analysis not only sheds light on individual cases but also contributes to our understanding of the historical context of labor laws and workers' rights in ancient Egypt.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary subject of the document discussed?
The document is a petition by Thothertaïs, a porter at the Temple of Amon. He requests reintegration and reimbursement for medical expenses caused by an accident at work that resulted in temporary blindness.
Who is Thothertaïs and what happened to him?
Thothertaïs is a porter at the Temple of Amon. He suffered an eye injury while working, leading to temporary blindness, and was subsequently dismissed by his superior, Pchouôouben.
Why does Thothertaïs describe himself as 'very poor'?
Thothertaïs describes himself as 'very poor' using a legal expression. This reflects his situation as economically weak, highlighting his vulnerable social status and the urgency of his plea for help.
What evidence does Thothertaïs provide to support his petition?
Thothertaïs mentions his thirty-year service without complaints and his consistent presence at work. He emphasizes that no accusations against him were valid, substantiating his request for reemployment and medical expenses.
What unique features are found in the petition's writing?
The petition exhibits unusual legal terminology and a formal structure resembling an official document. Notably, the date is mentioned twice, contributing to its formality and legal significance.
What insights does this document offer about ancient Egyptian society?
The document suggests the existence of labor rights and responsibilities in ancient Egypt. It indicates that workers had formal avenues to assert rights against employers, reflecting a structured society regarding labor relations.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Demotic Text Regarding a Workplace Accident by Michel Malinine”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Litt:
The term 'Litt' indicates a linguistic construct or prefix that denotes a specific meaning in the context of ancient texts. It may indicate a literary style or serve as an abbreviation for 'literature,' reflecting the scholarly framing within which the author engages with demotic documents.
2) Temple:
The term 'Temple' refers to the religious structures in ancient Egypt, particularly in Karnak, where the petitioner's employment takes place. It underscores the significance of the sacred space in the life of individuals like Thothertaïs, linking their livelihood to religious duty and divine authority.
3) Possession:
'Possession' encapsulates the rights or ownership individuals assert, especially concerning labor and employment. In the document, this term elucidates the worker's claim to maintain his position despite wrongful dismissal, emphasizing rights associated with labor and the employer's responsibilities.
4) Compassion:
'Compassion' captures the emotional appeal made by the petitioner in addressing Amon. Rather than evoking pity, the petitioner seeks recognition of his rights, hinting at a societal expectation for divine intervention or assistance from those in positions of authority in times of distress.
5) Sentiment:
'Sentiment' relates to the feelings expressed by Thothertaïs regarding his precarious situation after the workplace accident. His emotional state calls attention to broader issues of social justice and workers' rights, highlighting the interplay between personal experience and institutional negligence in ancient society.
6) Shervai (Servai):
'Servai' refers to the notion of service, particularly in the context of devotion and long-term employment at the temple. This term stresses the loyalty and dedication expected of individuals fulfilling religious roles, illustrating the obligations that accompany service in sacred institutions.
7) Mise:
'Mise' signifies the act of arranging or positioning elements within a document or context. In this case, it refers to the structuring of arguments within the petition, which is key to how Thothertaïs presents his case and affirms his rights and claims for restitution.