A duplicate version of the demotic Kufi text
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: A duplicate version of the demotic Kufi text
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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W. J. Tait
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Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: A duplicate version of the demotic Kufi text
Year: 1974 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5155
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
In this article, W. J. Tait presents three papyrus fragments from the Roman period, discovered in Tebtunis, which contribute to understanding a duplicate version of the demotic text known as Kufi. This text features animal fables, particularly focusing on a dialogue between two vultures named Sight and Hearing. Tait notes that these newly uncovered fragments prompt a reevaluation of the entire fable narrative and aims to provide detailed analysis in a future publication. This article, however, limits itself to discussing the fragments and relevant observations raised by them.
The Significance of the Fragments
The papyrus fragments, housed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, are part of a larger collection of artifacts from Tebtunis believed to have been procured by Grenfell and Hunt. The fragments, with dimensions of approximately 6.5×19.5 cm collectively, consist of demotic text that is clearly visible due to the well-preserved ink. The original recto side features a Greek tax register, likely written before the demotic text was inscribed on its verso, a common practice observed in other papyri of this nature from the area. Both texts share characteristics of literary styles from the first half of the second century A.D.
The Literary Context of Kufi
Tait connects the newly discovered text to an earlier publication by Spiegelberg in 1917, which outlines a portion of the Kufi text involving a conversation between the two vultures regarding consequences for murder, supported by the divine authority of the sun-god Re. The narrative employs allegorical elements, wherein a progression of creatures are swallowed by larger predatory beings, culminating in a griffin serving as the ultimate agent of divine punishment. This underlines themes of retribution and the moral consequences of actions. Tait plans to delve deeper into this text and its implications in subsequent works.
Conclusion
The discovery of the papyrus fragments has potential implications for understanding the Kufi narrative and its cultural significance within demotic literature. The proposed timelines and literary styles establish a clearer context for the work, supporting its scholarly appreciation while inviting further research. Tait's findings highlight the intertwining of different scholarly sources, literary texts, and historical contexts, which are essential in reconstructing the significance of ancient narratives like Kufi. More comprehensive analyses are forthcoming, with Tait promising a full transcription and discussion in future publications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of W. J. Tait's article?
W. J. Tait's article discusses three papyrus fragments from Tebtunis, which preserve a duplicate version of the demotic text Kufi, notably the conversation between two vultures. Tait emphasizes the need for reassessment of the fable and plans to provide further analysis in a subsequent article.
Where are the new papyrus fragments housed?
The papyrus fragments are part of the Egypt Exploration Society's collection and are housed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, indicating their provenance from Tebtunis.
What types of texts do the papyrus fragments contain?
The fragments contain a demotic text that corresponds to a passage in a previously edited work by W. Spiegelberg, specifically the conversation concerning the inevitability of retribution for murder, intertwined with a fable.
How are the papyrus fragments described?
The fragments are described as a vertical strip measuring 6.5×19.5 cm, with no preserved margins for the original top or bottom, and a light brown discoloration. Despite slight rubbing, the ink remains generally clear.
What connection does Tait draw between the demotic and Greek texts?
Tait notes that the demotic text is written on the verso of a discarded Greek tax register from Roman Tebtunis, suggesting that the Greek text likely predated the demotic writing and can be dated to around the early second century A.D.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “A duplicate version of the demotic Kufi text”. 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) Conversation:
The term 'conversation' is used in the context to describe the interaction between the two vultures, Sight and Hearing. Their conversation revolves around the theme of inevitable retribution for murder, which forms a significant part of the Kufi text. This conversation, integral to the narrative, plays a pivotal role in conveying moral and philosophical messages. [see source text or glossary: Conversation]
2) Bird:
The birds in focus within this text are specifically the vultures named Sight and Hearing. These avian characters are central to the narrative, engaging in a meaningful conversation that forms the crux of the fable. Their dialogue symbolizes broader themes within the text, such as divine justice and moral consequences. [see source text or glossary: Bird]
3) Sound:
Sound, although not directly expounded upon in the provided text, is fundamental to the conveyance of conversation and storytelling in the narrative. It underscores the importance of oral tradition and the role of auditory elements in preserving and communicating significant cultural stories within demotic literature. [see source text or glossary: Sound]
4) Roman (Roma):
The papyrus fragments discussed in the text are from the Roman period, specifically dating from around the late first to the first half of the second century A.D. This period is significant because it provides context regarding the cultural and historical backdrop in which these texts were produced and used, reflecting the integration of Egyptian traditions within Roman rule. [see source text or glossary: Roman]
5) Crop:
In the given text, the term 'crop' refers to the anatomical feature of the birds, specifically in the context of feeding and digestion. The original demotic text mentions the crop of the bird being dry when it settles to sleep at evening, highlighting its physiological state as relevant to the narrative. [see source text or glossary: Crop]
6) Grammar:
The commentary on the demotic text includes detailed grammatical analysis, discussing specific constructions, stative forms, and nuances in writing. These grammatical insights are crucial for understanding the precise meanings and proper translations of the ancient Egyptian demotic script into modern language, ensuring accurate interpretations. [see source text or glossary: Grammar]
7) Evening:
The text references evening in the context of the bird settling to sleep. This time frame is mentioned to describe the bird's routine and physical state before resting, which helps in establishing a daily rhythm and adds a realistic touch to the narrative of the demotic text. [see source text or glossary: Evening]
8) Vulture:
Vultures, specifically named Sight and Hearing, are central characters in the animal-fable narrative. These birds engage in a profound conversation about the retribution for murder, serving as the narrative device through which moral and philosophical themes are explored. [see source text or glossary: Vulture]
9) Egypt:
The provenance of the papyrus fragments is Tebtunis, Egypt. These texts are part of the cultural and historical heritage of ancient Egypt, reflecting the literary and religious traditions of the time. The background information places these texts within the broader context of Egyptian civilization and their papyrus manuscript traditions. [see source text or glossary: Egypt]
10) Sight:
Within the context, 'Sight' is the name of one of the vultures engaged in the conversation. The character of Sight, alongside Hearing, symbolizes sensory faculties that play crucial roles in the narrative, reflecting deeper themes such as perception and awareness in the demotic fable. [see source text or glossary: Sight]
11) Sleeping (Sleep):
The narrative mentions the bird's behavior of settling to sleep in the evening with a dry crop. This detail adds to the realism of the fable, providing insight into the bird's physiological routine and linking to broader themes in the story. [see source text or glossary: Sleep]
12) Hope:
Hope is implied through the author’s aspiration to discuss the broader fable in future work, showing anticipation for further exploration and analysis of the demotic text beyond the initial findings presented. This forward-looking perspective suggests continuous scholarly engagement with the subject matter. [see source text or glossary: Hope]
13) Discussion:
The provided text includes a detailed discussion in the commentary section by W. J. Tait. This discussion analyzes the grammatical and contextual elements of the demotic text, offering insights into its interpretation and significance. Such scholarly discussions are vital for understanding ancient literature. [see source text or glossary: Discussion]
14) Substance:
The term 'substance' is referenced in Spiegelberg's argument regarding when a magical text could be written on the verso of the Kufi text, indicating something lacking substance. This contextual use implies credibility and reasoned judgment in scholarly discourse about the papyrus' significance. [see source text or glossary: Substance]
15) Mountain:
The commentary mentions the hieroglyphic term 'dw', which means 'mountain,' in the context of explaining grammatical nuances within the demotic text. This is part of a larger discussion on how plurals and certain sounds are represented in the script, aiding in accurate translation and interpretation. [see source text or glossary: Mountain]
16) Animal:
The demotic text includes animal-fables, a genre that uses animals to convey moral and philosophical lessons. The animals, primarily birds in this context, are anthropomorphized to engage in meaningful dialogue, serving as the narrative vehicle for the underlying messages of the fable. [see source text or glossary: Animal]
17) Colour (Color):
Colour is indirectly referred to in the description of the ink used on the papyrus, described as 'a full black colour.' This detail about the ink's color provides information about the material conditions of the manuscript, contributing to our understanding of ancient writing practices. [see source text or glossary: Colour]
18) Priest:
The text suggests that the demotic text was written by priests using the verso of an official register, reflecting the role of religious officials in the production and preservation of literature in Roman Tebtunis. This context emphasizes the connection between religious practices and literary activities. [see source text or glossary: Priest]
19) Murder (Murdering, Murdered):
Murder is a central theme in the conversation between the vultures Sight and Hearing. Their discourse addresses the inevitability of retribution for murder, a moral and philosophical subject within the narrative that underscores the text's exploration of justice and divine punishment. [see source text or glossary: Murder]
20) Frame:
There are no rulings to frame the columns of the demotic text, as observed in the commentary. This detail about the manuscript's physical structure offers insights into the writing practices and presentation of texts in the Roman period, specifically those produced in Tebtunis. [see source text or glossary: Frame]
21) Black:
The text notes the ink used on the papyrus is 'a full black colour.' This information about the ink's color and quality helps in understanding the material aspects of the manuscript, including the clarity and durability of ancient writings. [see source text or glossary: Black]
22) Judge:
The term 'judge' is used to describe the scholarly judgment about the dating of the hand in the demotic text. This judgment is based on a comparison with other similar texts and hands from the period, highlighting the meticulous analysis involved in establishing historical timelines. [see source text or glossary: Judge]
23) Light:
The papyrus has discolored unevenly to 'a light brown,' providing information on the material condition and aging of the manuscript. This detail helps in understanding the preservation and degradation processes of ancient papyrus documents over time. [see source text or glossary: Light]
24) Flesh:
The term 'flesh-determinative' refers to a hieroglyphic determinative used in writing the word asw(3).t, which means 'bag' or 'crop' of a bird. This specific use of determinatives in script adds to the grammatical and semantic understanding of the demotic text. [see source text or glossary: Flesh]
25) Anger (Angry):
Anger is mentioned in the context of Tefnut being dissuaded from killing Kufi in a sudden fit of anger. This emotional catalyst drives part of the narrative, pointing to themes of impulse control and the consequences of anger within the broader moral discourse of the text. [see source text or glossary: Anger]
26) Foot (Feet):
The term 'foot' is indirectly referenced in the commentary about reading traces of text, such as the foot of the w in the word šww. This meticulous detail reflects the careful paleographic analysis required to accurately transcribe and interpret ancient scripts. [see source text or glossary: Foot]