97th Ancient Egyptian Dog Name Decoded in Theban Tomb

Ancient Egyptian officials often included their pets in funerary art, but one specific depiction in a Theban tomb has remained largely unread for millennia. Researchers have now identified the name inscribed next to a dog painted beneath a chair, revealing new details about personal relationships with animals during the Eighteenth Dynasty.

The Inscription and Its Meaning

More than 3,500 years ago, an Egyptian official named User ordered a portrait of one of his dogs placed under his seat within his burial chamber at Thebes. The animal was distinguished by an unusual wavy coat color and a name that did not resemble other known appellations. A rare hieroglyphic sign also accompanied the image, mirroring the dog’s seated posture.

The faint inscription on the wall has been read as "dwA.ty," which translates to "he who is from the underworld." According to reports from Arkeonews, this reading suggests a connection to Anubis, the deity associated with tombs, mummification, and the protection of the dead.

Decoding the Faded Hieroglyphs

User served as a scribe and manager during the reign of Thutmose I in the early Eighteenth Dynasty. His inner tomb chamber preserved three scenes of offerings, each featuring dogs seated beneath their owner. Two of these animals were previously identified by name: "The Strong" and "The Faithful." The third remained unnamed for a long period because its hieroglyphic text nearly merged with the background pigment.

Egyptologist Chelsea Kaufman processed the image using software designed to enhance differences in residual dye. This technique made the hieroglyphic signs significantly clearer. While an alternative reading of "student" remains theoretically possible, Kaufman considers it less convincing within the context of a funerary setting.

Unique Artistic Features

This discovery adds the name to the list of known dog names from ancient Egypt, bringing the total count to 97. The dog’s appearance makes it stand out even within this small tomb. Its coat features red wavy lines on a white base, resembling both a tiger pattern and the fabric designs seen on User’s own clothing.

Kaufman noted that she has not found a similar pattern among other depictions of Egyptian dogs. Furthermore, the artistic choice to depict the animal seated—rather than the more common standing pose—and the use of a rare hieroglyphic sign for its name highlight the individuality of this representation. These elements offer a more personal glimpse into how ancient Egyptians viewed their canine companions, suggesting some owners intended for specific animals to remain part of their identity and memory after death.