Autobiography of Harkhuf

Tomb inscription

The narration of Harkhuf's career is aforementioned by prayers for offerings and a good burial, and the list of virtues - standardized components of tomb-autobiography. Carved on the outside of the soft, flaking stone of the tomb are fifty-eight lines. Listed below are the descriptions of the inscriptions on each side of the tomb.

Above the entrance (Eight lines)

Harkhuf has prayers for offerings and a good burial. He mentions an "offering which the king gives and Anubis." This shows his significance and hierarchy in Egypt. Even the king gives an offering, revealing even further. Harkhuf states his titles such as Governor of Upper Egypt, prays for a peaceful journey in the afterlife, and mentions many feasts and that he be celebrated. Lastly, a list of his virtues is included, such as never judging between two, helping other civilians, and building a house. This is very similar to the duties of a king; Harkuf, who is a highly esteemed priest has these king-like qualities to him.

Right side of entrance (Fourteen lines)

Harkhuf accounts his expedition to Yam (located in Upper Nubia), the first time with his father, bearing gifts and products. The second trip was done alone where he traveled back through other foreign lands, noting that this has not been done by anyone else before, and again, bearing beautiful gifts. The third trip to Yam, he found that the ruler had gone to Tjemeh-land to smite the Tjemeh; however, Harkhuf was able to please the ruler of Yam, and Yam's ruler praised all the gods.

Left side of entrance (Ten lines)

After satisfying the ruler of Yam, Harkhuf came down through the south of Irtjet and north of Setju. He found their ruler, who was impressed by all of his goods and products as well as the numerous troops from Yam with him, and led him with an escort to Irtjet's mountain path.

On the far right (Twenty-six lines)

Harkhuf's tomb describes the text of a letter he received from the king Neferkare (ie. Pepi II), where he vividly expresses his eagerness to see the pygmy whom Harkhuf was bringing back with him. For his success, Harkhuf is promised with many worthy honors by the king.

Harkhuf's expeditions stated the only purpose was to reach Yam, acquire the desired products, and return to Egypt.

References

Notes Sources

• Miriam Lichtheim, Ancient Egyptian Literature: A Book of Readings, Vol.1, Berkeley 1973, pp. 23–27
• George William Murray, Harkhuf's Third Journey, The Geographical Journal, Vol. 131, No. 1 (Mar., 1965), pp. 72–75
• James Henry Breasted, Ancient Records of Egypt, Vol. I, Chicago 1906

References

1. Lichtheim, Miriam. (2006). "The Old and Middle Kingdoms". University of California Press.
2. "List of Rulers of Ancient Egypt and Nubia {{!}} Lists of Rulers {{!}} Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History". The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3. [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harkhuf Harkhuf] encyclopedia Brittanica.com
4. (2003). "The Book of the Pharaohs". Cornell University Press.
5. (2003). "The Book of the Pharaohs". Cornell University Press.
6. Yoyotte, Jean. (1953). "Pour une localisation du pays de Iam". Bulletin de l’Institut français d’archéologie orientale.
7. Karenga, Maulana. (2004). "Maat, the Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics". Routledge.
8. Breasted, James Henry. (1906). "[[Ancient Records of Egypt]]". [[University of Chicago Press]].
9. Lichtheim
10. Lichtheim, p.23
11. Lichtheim, p.24
12. O'Connor, David. (1986). "The Locations of Yam and Kush and Their Historical Implications". Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt.
13. Lichtheim, p. 25
14. Lichtheim, p.25-26
15. Lichtheim, p.26-27
16. O'Connor, p. 29