Amenhotep son of Hapu: self-presentation through statues and their texts in pursuit of semi-divine intermediary status

Simmance, Eleanor Beth (2014). Amenhotep son of Hapu: self-presentation through statues and their texts in pursuit of semi-divine intermediary status. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

Preview

Simmance14MRes2.pdf
PDF - Redacted Version
Download (5MB)

Abstract

The name of Amenhotep son of Hapu is well-known to scholars. He was similarly distinguished in ancient times as one who reached extraordinary heights during life and whose memory was preserved for centuries after death. This thesis engages with the premise that an individual constructed monuments for commemoration and memorialisation, and thus that the individual was governed by this motive during their creation. Two statues of Amenhotep in particular are believed to have served as mediators between human and god, and by exploring the ways in which he presented himself on the nine contemporary statues which are currently known (all but one originating at Karnak) it is argued that he deliberately portrayed himself as a suitable intermediary, encouraging this form of remembrance. This conclusion is reached through an examination of the features and context of each statue and how they contributed to the identification as intermediary, and by an examination of the titles and epithets which appear within the texts. Finally, it is suggested that his lifetime success, intermediary status and eventual deification were products of past traditions and of New Kingdom attitudes towards religion and politics, traditions and attitudes of which he, as a learned man, was thoroughly aware.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):