A Tail’s Tale: Narmer,the Catfish,and Bovine Symbolism

Abstract

Impressions of two necropolis seals have been found at Abydos that show a complete sequence of First Dynasty rulers from Narmer to Den and Narmer to Qa’a, respectively. On these seals, a tail-like appendage is attached to Narmer’s name which is interpreted as a bull’s tail. In this paper, this extraordinary writing is discussed in the context of royal representation and bovine symbolism, and also in regards to the posthumous reception of Narmer as a ‘founding father’. It will be shown that during the reign of Den there was a fertile ground for innovations in general and, in particular, new visual representations. Finally, the writing of Narmer’s name is addressed in the context of sealing practice.