Deer

The Deer in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Hnn or Henen//


 * Hieroglyphics:**



The Persian Fallow Deer and the Barbary Deer, recognized in ancient Egyptian art by the distinctive antlers of the male, were most likely rare exotic imports. In a few tomb paintings deer can be observed amongst the desert fauna corralled together in large fenced-off enclosures which served as "reserves" for the hunting pleasures of royalty and noblemen.

Antler fragments, dating to the New Kingdom, have been recovered from excavations at Deir el-Medina. Thutmose III is recorded to have had deer imported from Syria to become part of his royal zoo. One Gazelle Crown, most unusually, features a stag.

The Herbivores of Ancient Egypt