A prestigious profession
Journey along the Nile
Scribe sitting cross-legged
A scribe’s job was to record things in hieroglyphic writing on different documents, especially papyrus. Because scribes knew how to read and write, their job was very important and people had great respect for them. Preparing papyrus scrolls required skill, and two pigments were usually used: black, made from charcoal, for text and red ochre, made from iron oxides, for chapter headings. The scribe dipped his calamus, a very sharp reed pen, into a small well filled with water to create instant ink. Calami and a supply of ink cakes were stored in wooden or more fancy ivory boxes. Once his work was done, the scribe affixed his seal to the document.
Baboons, protectors of scribes
Scribes are often shown with a wooden box next to them containing the tools of their trade, but also sometimes a baboon. Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be, because for the ancient Egyptians, the baboon was the animal form of Thoth, the god of knowledge and wisdom. It was he who brought writing to men. It was great to be an accountant scribe in the service of a temple, like Wensu, but even better to be a royal scribe, in direct contact with the Pharaoh, and therefore at the heart of state affairs!