Minia Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 2025
The tombs of Beni Hassan, dating to the Middle Kingdom, offer a unique insight into the artistic ... more The tombs of Beni Hassan, dating to the Middle Kingdom, offer a unique insight into the artistic representation of Nilotic backgrounds in Egyptian tomb scenes. The term "Nilotic landscape" refers to any artistic representation of landscapes that are influenced by Egypt's Nile River. This word is used to describe hunting and fishing scenes in Egyptian art. The aims of this paper are to identify the Nilotic landscape, examine the Nilotic backgrounds in the tombs of Beni Hassan, classify the different types of Nilotic representations, identify the species of flora and fauna depicted in Nilotic scenes and examine the placement of landscape scenes to determine whether they follow a fixed orientation. Descriptive and analytical methodology was employed to achieve the objectives of this study, which was reinforced through a field visit to the site. Significant results of this study reveal that animal depictions are limited compared to birds and fish in the Nilotic backgrounds. The tombs of Baqet III and Khnumhotep II are characterized by a great diversity of birds and fish rather than the other tombs.
A variety of garments appeared in ancient Egypt, ỉ3dt garment is one of elegant garments which wa... more A variety of garments appeared in ancient Egypt, ỉ3dt garment is one of elegant garments which was worn by Egyptian females and males. It was represented on the walls of the Egyptian tombs, coffins, statues, stelae. It was also found among artifacts buried with the royals and elite individuals. ỉ3dt garment appeared from Early Dynastic period to Roman era. Female offering bearers of the Middle Kingdom wore different types of ỉ3dt garment as a long tight fitted beaded netted dress with one or two straps and beaded netted skirt above a long white dress. ỉ3dt garment had a variety of purposes from the basic purpose of covering and adorning the wearer to the symbolic purpose of protecting the body. This paper depends on a descriptive- analytical methodology to identify the term of ỉ3dt garment, clarify the types of ỉ3dt garment, investigate particular models of ỉ3dt garments from the Middle Kingdom and discuss the reasons behind wearing ỉ3dt garment on certain occasions in ancient Egypt. This paper would conclude that ỉ3dt beaded garment was worn during the festivals by females to stimulate the senses through movement, sound, and scents.
Journal of Association of Arab Universities for Tourism and Hospitality, 2018
The ancient Egyptian artist depicted the animal in a variety of contexts and postures on the wall... more The ancient Egyptian artist depicted the animal in a variety of contexts and postures on the walls of the tombs. This paper focuses on depictions showing the animal in an indirect contact with its bearer. The animal was kept in a certain kind of basket which was commonly held by an individual, i,e. the basket was used as an intermediate tool between the animal and the bearer of the basket. Thus the study mainly circled around three elements; the animal, the basket, and the bearer. The suitable methodology that will be used to achieve the aim of the study is the descriptive and analytical one applied to the scenes of the Middle Kingdom private tombs (Beni Hassan, Meir, El Bersha, and Thebes). The study resulted in certain important points including; the main species of animals usually held in the basket; the context, in which the animal was kept in the basket (mainly for offering); the way, in the animal was depicted (young or grown up, with complete body or just apart that appears from the basket, in a profile or frontal representation); the form, the color, and the material of the basket containing the animal; and the individual holding the basket (usually male, or female), and the way he or she holds the basket, by hands, on shoulders, or even on the head.
The ancient Egyptian figural art contributed to understand some aspects of Egyptian cultural heri... more The ancient Egyptian figural art contributed to understand some aspects of Egyptian cultural heritage never treated in the inscriptional material. Egyptian art adopted certain rules among which were the representation of the kings and tomb owners in an idealistic body. This was not the same case when dealing with minor figures. This was probably responsible for depicting some of these figures with actual disabilities and deformities. This expressed cultural and social acceptance of the disabled which was supported by wisdom writings and moral teachings. This article aims to be an analytical and a descriptive study of the representation modes related to physical disability in Old Kingdom tomb scenes, their different types of portrayal and interpretations. The paper would also discuss the functions of deformed individuals and specific roles in the Egyptian society based on examining a group of Old Kingdom tomb scenes.
The Egyptian temples, tombs monuments are almost covered by colorful drawings. Drawings and sculp... more The Egyptian temples, tombs monuments are almost covered by colorful drawings. Drawings and sculptures reflect an obvious sense of beauty. Aesthetic dermatology is modern medical term referring to a medical specialty that takes care of the health and beauty of the human skin. It is interesting to find out that ancient Egyptians treated their skin diseases and tumors as we do. They regarded beauty as a sign of holiness. Cosmetics were an integral part of their daily lives. In tombs, cosmetic palettes were found buried with the deceased as grave goods which further emphasized the idea that cosmetics were not only used for aesthetic purposes but rather magical and religious purposes. It is interesting to document that several practices in the modern specialty of aesthetic dermatology can be traced back to ancient Egyptian practices. Dermabrasion,
Curse magic was used in ancient Egypt to work against evil influences. Execration is a magical pr... more Curse magic was used in ancient Egypt to work against evil influences. Execration is a magical practice conducted to cause destruction or harm to an enemy or group of enemies. It is evidenced archaeologically and textually from the Old Kingdom and down to the Late Period (2686-332 B.C.). This article attempted to define the concept of curse rituals and sheds light on curse figurines uncovered from ancient Egypt, particularly those datable to the Old Kingdom. It focuses on execration texts and their development and the most important finds associated with them. It also deals with the different forms of execration rituals in ancient Egypt. Consideration is also given to private execration rituals in ancient Egypt. In order to do so, I follow a descriptive and analytical approach.
The Ancient Egyptians were quite advanced in their diagnoses and treatments of various illnesses.... more The Ancient Egyptians were quite advanced in their diagnoses and treatments of various illnesses. Their advancements in ancient medical techniques were quite extraordinary. The ancient Egyptians used their knowledge of the human anatomy and the natural remedies to treat with different diseases and disorders effectively. Analysis of human remains, textual evidences and art depictions attested physical conditions and diseases that the ancient Egyptians were suffered from. Baldness and hair loss was one of the most important dermatological diseases the ancient Egyptians concerned. The ancient Egyptians were searching for a hair loss cure since1500 BC. The Egyptian word for “bald” is “is” or “ỉᶟs” , which defines the natural baldness. This article aims to be an analytical- descriptive study of the modes of representation related to baldness figures in ancient Egyptian private tombs, their different types of portrayal and interpretations. Moreover the article would find out if baldness ...
Minia Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research MJTHR
Opet festival Karnak Temple Luxor Temple Hatshepsut The annual Opet Festival, during which the sa... more Opet festival Karnak Temple Luxor Temple Hatshepsut The annual Opet Festival, during which the sacred barks of the triad of Thebes, Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, together with that of the ruling king journeyed from Karnak to Luxor, became a central religious celebration of Thebes as early as the 18th Dynasty. The rituals of the Opet Festival celebrated the sacred marriage of god Amun, with whom the king merged, and goddess Mut, resulting in the proper transmission of the royal ka and thus ensuring the maintenance of kingship. This paper will try to survey the Opet festival scenes which were depicted on the Theban monuments of queen Hatshepsut. The paper results will be based on iconographic material and descriptive methodology.
International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Women in ancient Egypt were distinguished and had many privileges and rights comparing to their c... more Women in ancient Egypt were distinguished and had many privileges and rights comparing to their counterparts in the other ancient societies. Their social status was determined according to many indicators such as their families, husbands, relationships, wealth, occupations, education and skills. This paper aims to explore the social status of Non royal women according to their non-religious occupations. This study depends on visual and textual evidences. It examined many tombs from different periods and different locations to determine the female occupation of non-royal and non-religious. Additionally; it detected female titles as well as analyzing scenes captions, titles and letters as textual sources. This study applies descriptive and analyzing methodology to achieve its aims. Results of this study reveal that women who were involving in music career and weaving industry enjoyed a very high social status in the Egyptian society while those who were involved in baking, brewing, domestic and agriculture services are the less of all occupation
The goddess Nebtu is considered one of the most principal deities in the region of Esna (tᶟ-sny-I... more The goddess Nebtu is considered one of the most principal deities in the region of Esna (tᶟ-sny-Iunyt) where the ram headed god Khnum was worshipped with the same form and role at Aswan as he was thought to be the creator of the bodies of human children, which he made at a potter's wheel. He had the titles "Divine Potter" and "Lord of created things from himself", and "creator of all humanity and animal and bird" ... etc. As a result, Esna was an eternal place where the eternal hill appeared. The main goddesses were Nebtu, Menhyt, Tefnut, Sekhmet, and Neith in a unique relationship with each other, headed by the goddess Nebtu. The research aims to:-1-Specify the importance of the goddess Nebtu, her functions, names, forms and cult centers. 2-Shed the light on the relationship of the goddess Nebtu with all gods and goddesses in the temple of Esna, Dendara and others.
Journal of Association of Arab Universities For Tourism and Hospitality, 2018
The ancient Egyptian artist depicted the animal in a variety of contexts and postures on the wall... more The ancient Egyptian artist depicted the animal in a variety of contexts and postures on the walls of the tombs. This paper focuses on depictions showing the animal in an indirect contact with its bearer. The animal was kept in a certain kind of basket which was commonly held by an individual, i,e. the basket was used as an intermediate tool between the animal and the bearer of the basket. Thus the study mainly circled around three elements; the animal, the basket, and the bearer. The suitable methodology that will be used to achieve the aim of the study is the descriptive and analytical one applied to the scenes of the Middle Kingdom private tombs (Beni Hassan, Meir, El Bersha, and Thebes). The study resulted in certain important points including; the main species of animals usually held in the basket; the context, in which the animal was kept in the basket (mainly for offering); the way, in the animal was depicted (young or grown up, with complete body or just apart that appears from the basket, in a profile or frontal representation); the form, the color, and the material of the basket containing the animal; and the individual holding the basket (usually male, or female), and the way he or she holds the basket, by hands, on shoulders, or even on the head.
International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management , 2019
The Ancient Egyptians were quite advanced in their diagnoses and treatments of various illnesses.... more The Ancient Egyptians were quite advanced in their diagnoses and treatments of various illnesses. Their advancements in ancient medical techniques were quite extraordinary. The ancient Egyptians used their knowledge of the human anatomy and the natural remedies to treat with different diseases and disorders effectively. Analysis of human remains, textual evidences and art depictions attested physical conditions and diseases that the ancient Egyptians were suffered from. Baldness and hair loss was one of the most important dermatological diseases the ancient Egyptians concerned. The ancient Egyptians were searching for a hair loss cure since1500 BC. The Egyptian word for "bald" is "is" or "ỉᶟs" , which defines the natural baldness. This article aims to be an analytical-descriptive study of the modes of representation related to baldness figures in ancient Egyptian private tombs, their different types of portrayal and interpretations. Moreover the article would find out if baldness was restricted to other specific diseases. The researcher would also discuss the relationship between baldness and social classes in the ancient Egyptian society based on examining a group of private tomb scenes and textual evidences, in order to present a broader overview of the physical disabilities in ancient Egyptian contexts. Complete baldness or the clean shaven depictions will not regard in this paper, as it will be so difficult and confusing to differentiate between natural baldness and the artificial cases.
Depictions of Holding Animal Baskets in the Middle Kingdom Private Tombs, 2018
The ancient Egyptian artist depicted the animal in a variety of contexts and postures on the wall... more The ancient Egyptian artist depicted the animal in a variety of contexts and postures on the walls of the tombs. This paper focuses on depictions showing the animal in an indirect contact with its bearer. The animal was kept in a certain kind of basket which was commonly held by an individual, i,e. the basket was used as an intermediate tool between the animal and the bearer of the basket. Thus the study mainly circled around three elements; the animal, the basket, and the bearer. The suitable methodology that will be used to achieve the aim of the study is the descriptive and analytical one applied to the scenes of the Middle Kingdom private tombs (Beni Hassan, Meir, El Bersha, and Thebes). The study resulted in certain important points including; the main species of animals usually held in the basket; the context, in which the animal was kept in the basket (mainly for offering); the way, in the animal was depicted (young or grown up, with complete body or just apart that appears from the basket, in a profile or frontal representation); the form, the color, and the material of the basket containing the animal; and the individual holding the basket (usually male, or female), and the way he or she holds the basket, by hands, on shoulders, or even on the head.
The earliest intimations of tattoos came from clay figurines dating to roughly 4000BCE. These fem... more The earliest intimations of tattoos came from clay figurines dating to roughly 4000BCE. These female figurines are decorated with dots, dashes and lozenges. This was inconclusive evidence until the discovery and examination of preserved, mummified bodies, whose body designs closely resembled the patterns etched on the figurines. Among the best-preserved mummies is that of a woman from Thebes dated back to Dynasty XI (2160-1994 BCE), whose tomb identifies her as Amunet, Priestess of Hathor. Sometimes described as a concubine of Mentuhotep II, tattoo patterns remained clearly visible on her flesh. The earliest known tattoo which is clearly a picture of something is an image of god Bes. Bes' image appeared as a tattoo on the thighs of dancers and musicians in many Egyptian paintings. Female Nubian mummies from around 400BCE have been discovered with Bes placed similarly on their flesh. The exact reason for tattooing in ancient Egypt remains unexplained. This study aims to suggest new concept for the different explanations for tattoo in ancient Egypt, exploring the relation between these tattoos and different deities such as god Bes, Hathor and Neith. The most likely accepted view of the dotted tattoos found on the abdomen and pelvic region on the figurines and on the abdomen of mummies of ancient Egyptian females is that tattoos can be used as medical guide for expecting the date of delivery and to follow up pregnancy as the abdomen stretches. Medical stuff can measure the distance between these dots and determine the expected date of delivery especially that almost all abdominal tattoos found were in female mummies especially in childbearing period. Second new conclusion was that Bes tattoo was drawn on the thighs of musicians, dancers and prostitutes just to classify them socially to distinguish them from general population as ancient Egyptians were fascinated with socially classifying population according to their work.
The private tombs at Beni Hassan enjoyed a particular interest as they are probably the best pres... more The private tombs at Beni Hassan enjoyed a particular interest as they are probably the best preserved and richest of the Middle Kingdom. The tombs of Beni Hassan for long times have been examined, photographed, recorded and analyzed their inscriptions and scenes. Site visits and photographing different themes on the wall scenes of Beni Hassan giving the opportunity to examine them under proper lighting conditions, and this was a major turning point in this research. The various themes that illustrated on the wall scenes of the tombs reflect a broader overview of life especially that related to the neighboring regions at the specific period of Middle Kingdom. A new approach of the wild hunting scenes at Beni Hassan is going to be examined in a descriptive and analytic study. They are not the common traditional hunting scenes but they are mingled with various types of fantastic animals. This paper discussed also the origin, history, classifications and significance of these fabulous creatures.
Cultural Heritage can be one of the most important identity basics that can lead to the deve... more Cultural Heritage can be one of the most important identity basics that can lead to the development of new types of tourism, which can re-launch the inland areas, through the re-discovery of their authenticity and identity. This will increase the economic and social benefits for the country and certain localities. Tourists today are seeking for adventure, being a part of the daily life activities and aware of the cultural heritage of the places they visit, gathering between leisure and knowledge, while respecting the social and cultural equality of the population.
Today's tourists are anxious to know more about our cultural heritage, ancient Egyptian civilization and people who lived at this period, discovering their traditions, attitudes and social life. Egyptology should not be just a study of tombs, temples and pyramids, but a study of the people and civilization that achieved all these imposing constructions.
The Mediterranean area is experiencing this change and new interests, through the Integrated Relational Tourism (IRT), seeking for overcoming the traditional concept of tourist demand and decrease the merciless economic competition. This will need a network of activities and services to realize a satisfactory relationship with the local inhabitants and the areas visited
Guides will have an effective role in this network to realize (IRT), being an actual contact between their own cultural heritage and tourists.
This paper will discuss one of the cultural heritage topics of ancient Egyptian civilization, taboos in Ancient Egypt, which affected all aspects of life in ancient Egypt.
Taboo is a strong social prohibition or ban, relating to any area of human activity or social custom declared as sacred and forbidden. Breaking of taboo is usually considered objectionable by society. No taboo is known to be universal, but some occur in the majority of societies. Taboos may reveal the historical and cultural heritage of societies and civilizations when other records are not available.
Taboos were in effect the means by which the social and metaphysical framework was preserved and reinforced. What was the origin of the word taboo. Did the ancient Egyptians have their own taboos. What are the classifications of these taboos. This paper will try to answer and discuss all these issues.
The origin of the term taboo seems to have been derived from the ancient Egyptian language; the word used by the ancient Egyptians to refer to the concept of taboo was"bwt". Pierre Montet's analysis of cult-topographical lists of the Late Period (747-332 BC), reached the conclusion that the proper rendering of the word bwt was taboo. The proposed translation seems to have met with general acceptance, especially from Egyptologists.
The ancient Egyptians believed that taboos were instilled by gods in particular objects, actions, buildings and even individuals. Only the creator-god himself, or the king could alter these taboos.
Taboos could affect spiritual and physical entities of people, as it was ranging from bodily orifices, copulation to national borders. Other forms of taboos were concerned with the avoidance of such activities, as the consumption of certain food stuffs, including pigs, kinds of fish and honey. Walking upside down and the epagomenal days at the end of each year were also taboos.
Among the very accepted taboos in ancient Egypt, the access to such ceremonial and ritualistic buildings, as tombs, temples and palaces, in the sense that individuals were prohibited unless they adhered to certain rules of purity, being circumcised and abstinence from sexual activity.
So, we can conclude that taboo in ancient Egypt was a combination of religious, ritual prohibition and social avoidances that affected all their aspects of life.
The ancient Egyptian figural art contributed to understand some aspects of Egyptian cultural heri... more The ancient Egyptian figural art contributed to understand some aspects of Egyptian cultural heritage never treated in the inscriptional material. Ancient Egyptian art in general adopted certain rules and principles among which was the representation of the kings and tomb owners in an idealistic body in certain postures and situations. This was not the same case when dealing with minor figures, though adopting the same traditions in depicting the figures in profile with the chest and shoulders fully represented; minor figures were represented in various postures, performing different jobs. This probably gave the artist the chance to be more creative in trying to represent flexible movements and real bodily features. This was probably responsible for depicting some of these figures with actual disabilities and deformities. This depiction of deformity expressed cultural and social acceptance of the disabled in general. This acceptance was also supported by ancient Egyptian wisdom writings and moral teachings while commanding respect for those misshapen persons. This article aims to be an analytical-descriptive study of the modes of representation related to physical disability in Old Kingdom tomb scenes, their different types of portrayal and interpretations. The article would also discuss the functions of deformed individuals and specific roles in the ancient Egyptian society based on examining a group of Old Kingdom tomb scenes, in order to present a broader overview of the physical disabilities in ancient Egyptian contexts. .
Abstract
Brides of the Dead are small statues of naked women with incomplete legs and were common... more Abstract Brides of the Dead are small statues of naked women with incomplete legs and were commonly buried with male, female and children burials. They were believed to be symbols of regeneration and fertility. They have been found in the burials among funerary equipments as early as the predynastic period. Early Egyptologists mistakenly identified them as concubines intended to provide the spirits of men with an eternity of sexual pleasure. Recent studies show that both men and women used these figures to ensure fertility as they guaranteed the deceased's sexual power in the afterlife. These female figurines were traditionally tattooed with dots, dashes and lozenges. The earliest intimations of these tattoos patterns came from clay figurines dating to roughly 4000BCE. The most likely accepted view of the dotted tattoos found on the abdomen, thighs and pelvic region of the figurines. This paper aims to be a descriptive and an analytical study of the origin, patterns, materials, terminology, accessories and tattoos of the so-called 'brides of The Dead' in ancient Egypt, and searching for their functions and ritualistic role in the Egyptian burials. Keywords Brides of the dead, Concubine figurines, Fertility figures, Tattoos, Female figurines.
Tourists with special needs, families with young children and older persons are growing groups an... more Tourists with special needs, families with young children and older persons are growing groups and clients of tourism services. These three groups have similar needs for accessible tourism. However, tourism represents one of the biggest service industries that comprise services related to accommodation, tourist guidance, travel; insurance etc. tourists with special needs are not always in a position to enjoy tourist services for a number of reasons. There are significant structural barriers that may constrain the experiences of the tourists with special needs which on its turn may affect their satisfaction about the visit. The research provides a greater qualitative understanding of the constraints that face tourists with special needs. It argues that one of the constraints is the lack of accessible information and the lack of trained staff including: tour guides, tour operators…..etc to address visitors with special needs. The main aim of the study is to investigate the role of modern technology to enhance special needs tourism within tourist guidance perspective. Based on the analytical and descriptive methodology; questionnaires with tour guides and semi-structured interviews with other tourist staff members, the paper investigates diverse points of views related to the use of modern technology to enhance special needs heritage tourism. The study provides an in-depth sight to the use of different electronic devices such as mobile tour guides and electronic simulation programs to develop more accessible sightseeing tour experiences for visitors with special needs. Consequently, the study concludes with recommendations to enhance the use of these electronic devices in the field of tourist guidance for visitors with special needs and addresses the needs of visitors with access issues and their right for better life regardless their access requirements. Keywords Special needs tourism, technology, mobile tour guide, electronic simulation programs.
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Papers by samar kamal
The aims of this paper are to identify the Nilotic landscape, examine the Nilotic backgrounds in the tombs of Beni Hassan, classify the different types of Nilotic representations, identify the species of flora and fauna depicted in Nilotic scenes and examine the placement of landscape scenes to determine whether they follow a fixed orientation. Descriptive and analytical methodology was employed to achieve the objectives of this study, which was reinforced through a field visit to the site.
Significant results of this study reveal that animal depictions are limited compared to birds and fish in the Nilotic backgrounds. The tombs of Baqet III and Khnumhotep II are characterized by a great diversity of birds and fish rather than the other tombs.
Tourists today are seeking for adventure, being a part of the daily life activities and aware of the cultural heritage of the places they visit, gathering between leisure and knowledge, while respecting the social and cultural equality of the population.
Today's tourists are anxious to know more about our cultural heritage, ancient Egyptian civilization and people who lived at this period, discovering their traditions, attitudes and social life. Egyptology should not be just a study of tombs, temples and pyramids, but a study of the people and civilization that achieved all these imposing constructions.
The Mediterranean area is experiencing this change and new interests, through the Integrated Relational Tourism (IRT), seeking for overcoming the traditional concept of tourist demand and decrease the merciless economic competition. This will need a network of activities and services to realize a satisfactory relationship with the local inhabitants and the areas visited
Guides will have an effective role in this network to realize (IRT), being an actual contact between their own cultural heritage and tourists.
This paper will discuss one of the cultural heritage topics of ancient Egyptian civilization, taboos in Ancient Egypt, which affected all aspects of life in ancient Egypt.
Taboo is a strong social prohibition or ban, relating to any area of human activity or social custom declared as sacred and forbidden. Breaking of taboo is usually considered objectionable by society. No taboo is known to be universal, but some occur in the majority of societies. Taboos may reveal the historical and cultural heritage of societies and civilizations when other records are not available.
Taboos were in effect the means by which the social and metaphysical framework was preserved and reinforced. What was the origin of the word taboo. Did the ancient Egyptians have their own taboos. What are the classifications of these taboos. This paper will try to answer and discuss all these issues.
The origin of the term taboo seems to have been derived from the ancient Egyptian language; the word used by the ancient Egyptians to refer to the concept of taboo was"bwt". Pierre Montet's analysis of cult-topographical lists of the Late Period (747-332 BC), reached the conclusion that the proper rendering of the word bwt was taboo. The proposed translation seems to have met with general acceptance, especially from Egyptologists.
The ancient Egyptians believed that taboos were instilled by gods in particular objects, actions, buildings and even individuals. Only the creator-god himself, or the king could alter these taboos.
Taboos could affect spiritual and physical entities of people, as it was ranging from bodily orifices, copulation to national borders. Other forms of taboos were concerned with the avoidance of such activities, as the consumption of certain food stuffs, including pigs, kinds of fish and honey. Walking upside down and the epagomenal days at the end of each year were also taboos.
Among the very accepted taboos in ancient Egypt, the access to such ceremonial and ritualistic buildings, as tombs, temples and palaces, in the sense that individuals were prohibited unless they adhered to certain rules of purity, being circumcised and abstinence from sexual activity.
So, we can conclude that taboo in ancient Egypt was a combination of religious, ritual prohibition and social avoidances that affected all their aspects of life.
Keywords: Taboos, fish, circumcision, pigs, menstruation.
Brides of the Dead are small statues of naked women with incomplete legs and were commonly buried with male, female and children burials. They were believed to be symbols of regeneration and fertility. They have been found in the burials among funerary equipments as early as the predynastic period. Early Egyptologists mistakenly identified them as concubines intended to provide the spirits of men with an eternity of sexual pleasure. Recent studies show that both men and women used these figures to ensure fertility as they guaranteed the deceased's sexual power in the afterlife.
These female figurines were traditionally tattooed with dots, dashes and lozenges. The earliest intimations of these tattoos patterns came from clay figurines dating to roughly 4000BCE. The most likely accepted view of the dotted tattoos found on the abdomen, thighs and pelvic region of the figurines.
This paper aims to be a descriptive and an analytical study of the origin, patterns, materials, terminology, accessories and tattoos of the so-called 'brides of The Dead' in ancient Egypt, and searching for their functions and ritualistic role in the Egyptian burials.
Keywords
Brides of the dead, Concubine figurines, Fertility figures, Tattoos, Female figurines.
There are significant structural barriers that may constrain the experiences of the tourists with special needs which on its turn may affect their satisfaction about the visit. The research provides a greater qualitative understanding of the constraints that face tourists with special needs. It argues that one of the constraints is the lack of accessible information and the lack of trained staff including: tour guides, tour operators…..etc to address visitors with special needs.
The main aim of the study is to investigate the role of modern technology to enhance special needs tourism within tourist guidance perspective. Based on the analytical and descriptive methodology; questionnaires with tour guides and semi-structured interviews with other tourist staff members, the paper investigates diverse points of views related to the use of modern technology to enhance special needs heritage tourism.
The study provides an in-depth sight to the use of different electronic devices such as mobile tour guides and electronic simulation programs to develop more accessible sightseeing tour experiences for visitors with special needs. Consequently, the study concludes with recommendations to enhance the use of these electronic devices in the field of tourist guidance for visitors with special needs and addresses the needs of visitors with access issues and their right for better life regardless their access requirements.
Keywords
Special needs tourism, technology, mobile tour guide, electronic simulation programs.