In the Tomb of Ramses, specifically within the Book of Gates, fourth division (P)/fifth hour (H), lower register, scene 30, the term "Remetch" is used to denote the Egyptian men depicted on the temple walls. The "Remetch" were depicted as integral members of ancient Kemetian society. The term "Remetch" refers to the Egyptians themselves, often translated as "the people," However, this term has been misinterpreted by some academics who have inaccurately labeled these figures as Nubians, reflecting broader racial biases that have historically tainted the field of Egyptology.
"Nubian, one of the "four races of mankind," erroneously labeled as an Egyptian": https://thebanmappingproject.com/index.php/images/15652jpg
The idea that the ancient scribes "erroneously" labeled these men as "Egyptians" is absurd. The false claim that these are acutally Nubians is born from a modern ethnic view of ancient Nile Valley Africans born out of modern Egyptian nationalism and anti-African sentiment. The misclassification of the "Remetch" as Nubians illustrates a troubling trend where modern racial categories are superimposed onto ancient peoples, leading to significant misunderstandings of their identities.
The scene depicts these individuals dressed in a manner that highlights their royal status and ancient Egyptian identity. The garments worn by the "Remetch" in the Tomb of Ramses prominently signify their high social status, characterized by specific styles and materials that were reserved for the elite of ancient Egyptian society. One of the most notable garments is the knotted cloak, which is depicted frequently in tomb art. The choice of white linen, which symbolized purity and high status, was prevalent among both genders, reflecting the unisex nature of some of the formal attire in ancient Egypt.
Yet they have been incorrectly categorized due to contemporary interpretations of racial features. In the Book of Gates it states that the Remetch were formed from the tears of Ra, while the Nehesy were born from the semen of Ra, emphasizing their kindred relationship (Budge, 1905, p. 33). This creation account serves to underline the idea of shared ancestry suggesting that they are part of a unified cultural narrative rather than separate entities. This unity is often overlooked in favor of rigid classifications that reflect modern racial constructs instead of the realities of ancient interactions.
The erroneous labeling of these figures as Nubian not only distorts the historical understanding of these groups but also perpetuates stereotypes that can mislead contemporary interpretations of ancient civilizations. The relationships between Egyptians and Nubians were complex, marked by extensive cultural exchanges, trade, and periods of cohabitation and ruling. This complexity is essential to consider, as it reveals that "the Egyptians and Nubians shared extensive cultural and political interactions over millennia," (Wengrow, David, p. 91-104) further complicating any simplistic categorization based solely on race.
The misinterpretation of "Remetch" as Nubian serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural identities in ancient Egypt. By recognizing the intricate dynamics of these identities, scholars can move beyond contemporary racial frameworks that obscure historical realities, allowing for a richer appreciation of the ancient world.
Citation:
Budge, E. A. Wallis. The Book of Gates: The Short Form of the Book Am-Tuat. London: Kegan, Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., 1905
Wengrow, David. “Rethinking ‘Cattle Cults’ in Early Egypt: Towards a Prehistoric Perspective on the Narmer Palette.” Cambridge Archaeological Journal, vol. 11, no. 1, 2001, pp. 91-104.
"Master of the Land of the South,
Lord of the Matchau, Governor of Punt, King of heaven,
first-born son of earth, Lord of Truth, father of the gods,
They love the essence of him, when he cometh from Punt,
Maker of all things celestial & terrestrial, he illumineth Kemet,
Prince of the dew, he traverseth the lands of the Nubians.
Beautiful of face, he cometh from the Land of the Gods."
- Victory Stele of King Piye, Kushite King of the 25th Dynasty
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