Überlegungen zu einer ungewöhnlichen Schreibung des ägyptischen „Abnn“ – Vogels

In this article, a peculiar writing of the Egyptian “Abnn” – bird is tackled. The “Abnn” – bird belongs to those species that are unidentified until now. In oBM EA 50727, recto 2, this birdname has received the determinative of “Cow skin”, for which an explanation is searched. Needless to say, that this determinative is normally reserved for mammals. It will be shown however that, as an exception, this determinative can be used for insects, amphibians, reptiles, spiders, locusts and worms, too. Several examples will be collected. In the case under consideration the crucial point will be if this determinative can be used for birds as well. The question can be answered in the affirmative. In the Demotic pBerlin P 8932 vso, 6, the determinative of the “Cow skin” is combined with the “gS” – fowl. Therefore, the “Abnn” – bird represents the second example of this special use.