Introduction by Laurent Coulon followed by Sylvie Donnat (Univ. Lille, HALMA).
Abstract
Textual amulets on papyrus from Ramesside Egypt take the form of sheets on which drawings and continuous hieratic text were traced. Once inscribed, the leaflet was folded, closed and attached to a linen cord with aligned knots, enabling it to be hung around the neck of its recipient. The written text reproduces an incantation that is presented as having been uttered orally on the drawings, generally designated as " these gods ". The images thus seem to form the core of a graphic device that has the particularity of being hidden from view. By analyzing a few examples - and in particular those involving the Osirian figure - we will examine the functions of these ritual images in an amuletic context, according to the types of motifs reproduced. We'll also look at their status as graphic elements, as the boundary between image and writing can, in some cases, appear blurred.
Knowledge of ancient Egyptian essential.
