Architektur und Theologie: Pharaonische Tempelterminologie unter Berucksichtigung koniglicher Aspekte.

• Author: Eaton, Katherine
• Position: Book review

Architekur und Theologie Pharaonische Tempelterminologie unter Berucksichtigung koniglicher Aspekte. By KIRSTEN KONRAD. Konigtum, Staat und Gesellschaft fruher Hochkulturen, vol. 5. Wiesbaden: HARRASSOWITZ VERLAG, 2006. Pp. xv + 405. [euro]98.

The ancient Egyptians explored myriad interconnections and layered meanings--often seemingly contradictory--in their religious thought. In analyzing these complexities, scholars often draw artificial lines and study certain elements in isolation. This is a profoundly un-Egyptian way of looking at things. Thus, even studies that take several perspectives into account can be reductionist when compared to the multifaceted ancient Egyptian system. In her study of individual architectural terms, Kirsten Konrad generally balances the modern need for order and distinctions with the ancient tendency to defy such categories. In the main body of this book, Konrad groups words by roots derived primarily from descriptive (chapter 3) and functional (chapter 4) criteria. Each section is subdivided into words with related grammatical aspects. This provides a structure for the physical layout of the book, and a starting point for analysis. Konrad is usually remarkably adept at not getting caught up in her own frames. For example, the term w'b(.t) (chapter 4.2.1) designates a pure place in which acts of purification were performed--embalming and slaughtering animals are both mentioned by Konrad. Thus, the w'b(.t) was a place which was pure (descriptive) and which purified (functional). Konrad argues that the function of purification should be primary, without denying the importance of the descriptive aspect of the word.

The author looks at each word from many different perspectives. Her methods and the important contrasts they illustrate between the Egyptian roots and the roots of many Western architectural terms are outlined in chapter 1. For example, naming in the modern West tends to be from the perspective of an outside viewer, whereas in ancient Egyptian temples it tends to be from the perspective of the resident deity. Many of these approaches are rooted in different conceptions of the ancient Egyptian temple, as economic establishment (Wirtschaftsanlage), cult establishment (Kultanlage), assembly-place (Versammlungsstatte), cosmos (Kosmos), body (Leib) and road I Weg) (summarized in chapter 2). Some of Konrad's approaches work well; others do not. However, all are thought-provoking and will enrich the work of...