Tiles depict bound Nubians
Short, curly hair, dark skin, an earring, and Nubian dress are features of the Nubian captive shown on these colorful tiles from the temple of Ramesses III in Egypt. The prisoners’ arms are bound at their sides. For the ancient Egyptians, bound figures had a magical purpose, ensuring Egypt’s continued domination of the represented group. Nubians were represented alongside other captives, with each group distinguished by its national dress and distinctive hairstyle and facial features.
Tile Depicting a Nubian Prisoner
Faience
Egyptian New Kingdom
Reign of Ramesses III (1184–1153 BC)
Egypt, Medinet Habu
Mortuary temple complex of Ramesses III
OIM 16740, 16741
