Eight - Displaying Decline

Summary

Chapter 8 explores the elusive representation of kin groups in decline, when association with powerful upcoming groups would be pursued. ANOC IV commemorates the union of a scribe and the daughter of the vizier's doorkeeper, demonstrating how marriage could be seen as survival strategy.

There is no evidence for preferential or prescriptive unions in ancient Egyptian sources, nor is there explicit evidence for any proscription. Incest as a regulation of abhorrent sexual behaviour is hence not applicable to ancient Egypt, and evidence for the existence of consanguineous marriages, particularly brother–sister marriages, is outlined. The importance of rank, hierarchy, identity and economic considerations need consideration when analysing marriage as a survival strategy.

The chapter finally discusses the role of rites of passage in the construction of individual identity, in the strengthening of existing social links and the creation of new groups. The socialising aspect of rites of passage is brought to the forefront when age groups are considered; these are difficult to identify in the ancient Egyptian sources, but they are a productive approach to assess the relational nature of personhood.