Kemit, writing-boards, and palaeographic studies

Abstract

This paper is conceived as a case study to examine how relevant the Kemit script is for a better understanding of New Kingdom cursive scripts. In this perspective, I concentrate on the wooden tablets that bear extract(s) of this literary letter. After a concise description of each tablet, I consider its layout and its mise-en-texte. I then devote my attention to the recorded handwriting(s). To illustrate this point, I selected five signs: the 𓇋 (M17), 𓅓 (G17), 𓃺 (E34), 𓐍 (Aa1), and the weeping eye-sign with upper lid (D5–6+D9). I compare them with earlier, contemporaneous, and later witnesses of the Kemit written on ostraca or papyrus to provide a diachronic perspective and to draw some preliminary conclusions.