Of Ostrich Eggs and Kings: The Topos and Mimesis of International Relationships in the Late Bronze Age

ABSTRACT :

The purpose of this paper is to explore aspects of international interaction dur- ing the Late Bronze Age in the Eastern Mediterranean, taking a specifically Egyptian perspective. The main foci of attention are the related themes of topos (especially royal propaganda) in the representation of Egyptian relations with foreigners, and the reality of institutional contact between Egyptians and foreigners within and without Egypt’s New Kingdom empire, mimesis. The extent to which personal interactions existed within and alongside this ideological framework and imperial institutional apparatus will be considered. Particular attention will be given to the ways in which particular classes of object can act is cultural indicators, especially in the representation of foreigners in New Kingdom Egypt. Local cultural transformations in objects which have varied resonances will be considered through a case study of ostrich-eggs in the East- ern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze Age.

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Of Ostrich Eggs and Kings: The Topos and Mimesis of International Relationships in the Late Bronze Age
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