Giraffe

The Giraffe in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Mmj, Zer,// or //Mama//


 * Hieroglyphics:**

or

According to petroglyphs found in the Sahara, the giraffe was indigenous to Egypt in prehistoric times, but it soon disappeared. Live animals and skins were sometimes brought to Egypt as part of the tribute from Nubia. Queen Hatshepsut is recorded as having a giraffe imported from Punt to become part of her royal zoo. The menagerie of Ramses II also contained several giraffes.

The giraffe was appreciated as an astonishing creature, and a band of giraffe skin was reputed to have magical powers. Armlets and a net bag made of giraffe hair have been found in tombs. The Egyptian mythological creature known as the serpopard was a mix between a leopard and giraffe.

The Herbivores of Ancient Egypt