Religous Motifs in Meroitic Painted and Stamped Pottery

This dissertation examines religious motifs in the decoration of Meroitic painted and stamped pottery dating from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD. Meroitic pottery from more than 35 sites, especially cemeteries, in Upper and Lower Nubia is analysed in terms of the types of the motifs present and their frequencies, followed by an interpretation of their significance in religious terms, beyond being purely decorative features. The author identifies underlying religious symbolism in many decorative schemes, primarily taking the form of deities and representations of amulets, and a fundamental concern for fertility, life, birth, regeneration, eternity and protection in life and death.