Execration again? Remarks on an Old Kingdom ritual
Execration again? Remarks on an Old Kingdom ritual

Summary/Abstract: Execration rites intended as a means of magically disabling enemies are attested from the times of at least the Old Kingdom. Hitherto, traces of six rituals from this period have been recognized, four performed in Giza and two in Saqqara. Despite frequent discussion in the academic literature, there are still some issues to be taken up, such as precise dating of the finds and, what is relevant, the reasons why these rituals were performed at this particular time. Occasion to undertake the subject was given by the discovery of yet another figurine, this time in Saqqara, in the late Old Kingdom necropolis of middle class officials located to the west of the Step Pyramid.

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