Was (staff)

A was is a staff used by snake catchers in ancient Egypt. It is a tool for catching snakes, which is held by many gods of Egypt, such as Ra, Osiris, Thoth, Ptah. The was staff was manufactured as follows: choose a suitable branch of a tree to one side turned rounding, and on the other - a characteristic knob. In daily work used a simple snake catcher stick without embellish. A ceremonial Was is decorated with ornaments and jewels.

History

The importance of snakes in the life of the Ancient Egyptians was very high. Since the snake only hear low-frequency sounds (unavailable hearing of the man), it was for the people of the time the only indication of such sounds. That's why the profession of Snakecatcher in Ancient Egypt was very popular and honorable. For a more successful and productive catching snakes were invented special tools, including Was-scepter. For the manufacture of Was staves need a suitable sized stick with a split at the bottom. The upper part is a knob in the shape of a hook. Used for domestic need Was tall with human growth. Was ritual option was usually much shorter and had a knob-head of Anubis. Under rocks, in crevices, snakes are hiding from the unbearable heat when the sun is at its zenith. Manipulating hook, the experienced catcher can capture almost any snake. With the special "fork" or split at the end of Was staff he presses the head of the snake for fixation and subsequent capture of hand and can lift a snake lying on the ground and move it to a more suitable surface.

Artifacts

Multiple findings of the Was staves have enabled scientists to classify their assignment. The was staves were repeatedly found in tombs and shrines next to their former owners. It emphasizes the importance of the Was staff in the ancient Egyptian life. The artifacts are represented in many museums around the world. Straight staff from the tomb of Senebtisi Period: Middle Kingdom Dynasty: Dynasty 12 Reign: reign of Amenemhat III Date: ca. 1850–1775 B.C. Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Tomb of Senwosret (758), Pit 763, burial of Senebtisi, MMA 1906–1907 Medium: Wood Dimensions: l.100 cm (39 3/8 in)

Research

The study was conducted by Dolzhenko S.N. in the period from August 2013 to May 2014. The aim of the study is to determine the assignment of domestic Egyptian scepters, wands and other ritual objects. Work was carried out by collecting numerous artifacts, evidence and sources of other authors. Subsequently the data were collected into a single database for comprehensive analysis and the final result.