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Abstract

Studies of human remains and artistic representations of the human form have been foundational to Egyptology since its inception; more recently, there has been an increased emphasis on investigating the ancient Egyptian perspective of the body through social relationships. Utilizing both elements of the traditional and more modern approaches, this dissertation delves into the ancient Egyptian concept of the human body, particularly focusing on the intricacies of anatomical terminology related to the head. The dissertation employs a multi-pronged methodology, utilizing a comprehensive database organized by cranial region and specific terms. Every term is examined diachronically within different genres, enabling a nuanced understanding of its usage. The scope is deliberately limited to the Old Kingdom through the early 18th Dynasty, ensuring coverage of a broad range of textual genres, including medical texts, and allowing for an examination of change over time. The study not only explores individual terms but also endeavors to establish whether this corpus of anatomical terminology constitutes an early example of a technical vocabulary. Drawing from modern criteria for technical terms and insights from Classical studies, the research evaluates the frequency, distinctiveness, and contextual usage of cranial terms. The reevaluation of the meanings of the terms included in this study demonstrates that some must be modified or more carefully translated. Additionally, the application of the criteria for a technical vocabulary demonstrates that not only did such a specific set of terms exist, but it shifted over time, transitioning from two discrete corpora to a larger, more inclusive one by the early New Kingdom. The dissertation contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of ancient Egyptian anatomy and technical vocabulary, shedding light on the development of anatomical terminology for the head and its broader cultural significance.

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