Snakes on the Nile: Iconographical and Cultural Motifs in Egypt, Nubia, and Hellenistic World

Abstract

Analysing the snake as iconographical motif in the Meroitic Kingdom, the study outlines its use as expression of some peculiar patterns (water, New Year, kingship). The examples here collected confirm this meaning, focusing the data from Napata, where an Archaeological Mission is carrying out the digging of the great Natakamani’s Palace (probably 1st century BC), as well as some other buildings of the same royal sector. Several architectural and decorative evidences (above all painted pottery) show the use of the snake-motif in the Meroitic culture, and its elaboration in the context of the Meroitic Napata; all the elements of this cultural language are the original elaboration of many inputs from the Pharaonic Egypt, as well as from the Hellenistic world. At the site of Jebel Barkal/ Napata the motif of serpent relatively often appears on Meroitic vessels. Its imaginings refer to the idea of rebirth. Very interesting is the depiction of a serpent combined with grapevine. The motifs appearing on pottery show strong religious syncretism referring not only to Pharaonic and Hellenistic culture, but also to the local tradition.