The Concept of Fertility in the Dakhleh Oasis, Cult and Symbolism

Document Type : Original Research

Author

Lecturer, High Institute of Tourism and Hotels and Restoration Abou Qir

Abstract

This study examines the opinion of the oasis’ dwellers about their environment which differs from the perception of the dwellers outside the oasis. The local cult of fertility in Dakhleh attested by the worship of Seth as a protector and fertility god, Isis- Demeter as a goddess of agriculture, Amun-Re as Min of Akhmim who cultivate the lands and God Tutu as a protector and controller of the waters. The source of the subterranean water (wells) in the Oasis was the Nile and the iconography of the water wells were god Khnum Re and goddess Isis-Sothis who were the controller of the first cataract of the Nile, god Osiris who also controller the source of the ater at the Oasis, god Amun Nakht who protect and control water in the Oasis. The iconography of the inundation was the fecundity figure of Hapy, and the iconography of the inundated land was the female fecundity figure of Sekhet.

Keywords