The shepherd of the exodus chapel : an interpretation

Abstract EN

The Exodus chapel at Bagawat necropolis in Kharga oasis is renowned for being one of the earliest examples of Christian art and architecture in Egypt; it is distinguished by its figurative art and prominent number of narrative paintings that contains many symbols and significant implications.

But the inclusion of an unidentified Shepherd among its overwhelming Old Testament narratives is curious; he was just depicted holding his staff and tending his flock where he was only defined by the artist by an inscription above his head as a “Shepherd”, for the community of Kharga Oasis was not only for Christians- whether exiled or not- but also for many other various communities of diverse thoughts and traditions.

Therefore, the aim of this article is to interpret the shepherd and his symbolism within the narrative art of the Exodus chapel, as well as to identify his people who produced this art in order to shed more light on their understandings and give further insight for their traditions at that remote place of late antiquity Egypt