Seite 97 [97]
OCR
two títles according to their functions eíther. Nevertheless, observing the duties of an wb3 nswt who primarily acted as a personal servant in the royal household as well as the royal administration, in more cases, even as a steward responsible for overseeing the royal domains, the translation ‘butler’ seems to be more or less suitable for demonstrating the original function of the occupation, as well as for expressing the new scope of duties in which these officials acted.>” In the case of the title wdpw nswt, however, the situation is more complicated since the difference between the original functional occupation of an wdpw and the duties of an wdpw nswt is considerable indeed and there are seemingly no common points or continuity between the two of them in this respect.*® It is unequivocal that the usual translation of wdpw as a ‘cupbearer’ cannot be applied in the case of the official title wdpw nswt since this latter one has no connection with any sort of duties regarding the service or preparation of food or drink. Based on the evidence concerning the official tasks represented in the textual sources of the individuals who bore this title, an wdpw nswt acted as a personal representative of the ruler in particular assignments in various respects. From this perspective, a new translation such as ‘royal representative’, ‘royal agent’, ‘royal delegate’ or ‘royal commissioner’ might be applicable, however, it might also be confusing in respect to other titles with a similar meaning, for instance ‘, jdnw or rwdw as well as in respect to the scientific tradition. For the revision of and for changing the tradition of the translation of the two functional titles, wb3 and wdpw as ‘butler’ and ‘cupbearer’ respectively, a comprehensive study of their textual and iconographical appearances from the whole pharaonic period would be required. Based on the research, new proposals could be made for a more appropriate translation for both the functional and the official titles reflecting the duties of their representatives. In this respect it is worth keeping in mind that the ancient Egyptians themselves used the same words, wb3 and wdpw during the whole course of time even if they had become official titles as wb3 nswt and wdpw nswt and their function had changed to some extent. Until more adequate solutions can be found regarding the translations of both titles, the usage of their forms ‘royal wb? and ‘royal wdpw’ seems to be convenient. 301 For a detailed discussion of the duties of the officials related to the royal court in the position as an wb3 nswt, see chapters II.5.1. and II.5.2.1. on pp. 70. and 72, respectively. 3 Although Gregersen does not entirely agree with any of the translations used in any languages (butler, cupbearer, l’échanson, Truchsess — accepting Truchsess as the most agreeable one), she does not offer any other solution instead of them. Gregersen, 2007, 849-850. 3% For a detailed discussion of the duties of the officials in the position as an wdpw nswt, see chapter IL.5.2.2. on p. 79.
