Identity Marks in Deir el-Medina During the Ramesside Period

This book is the first in-depth analysis of the historical and functional context of the identity marks in and around Ramesside Deir el-Medina. In the first chapter, key objects inscribed with identity marks are discussed to reveal the workmen behind numerous identity marks. This analysis is based on the archaeological and textual evidence from the community. The second chapter studies the use of identity marks as property markers and votive graffiti, and investigates the marks’ function in administrative documents. These documents, drawn up in addition to the well-known hieratic administration, are deciphered for the first time. The third chapter revolves around the use of the identity marks in the context of literacy. It demonstrates that the marks where predominantly employed by workmen without scribal training, who amplified their documents with self-invented signs and signs borrowed from script. The final chapter presents conclusions regarding the use of the marking system, the conception of new marks, and the transference of marks from workman to workman and from one generation to another. It argues that scribal practices deeply rooted in the community stimulated the invention of different ways of employing identity marks.