The iconography of fish in the Nagada culture

Abstract

Fish had a significant role in the diet of Nile Valley inhabitants. They were an important source of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. Their nutrition and healthy properties were revered by ancient Egyptians, which is supported by refer-ences to fish in medical papyri. Numerous fishing scenes and fish depictions are known from the dynastic periods. Their specific role in Egyptian mythology impacts the development of the con-sumption taboo, however, their symbolic and mag-ical meaning was reflected by their representa-tions in art. Among them, tilapia had a special place in Egyptian beliefs. But fish had been appearing as a symbol since at least the Predy-nastic period. In this paper, the fish representa-tions from the Nagada period will be examined to determine their symbolic and magical meaning at the time of state formation and the development of the Egyptian civilization.