A new study challenges the previous understanding that the defacement of Queen Hatshepsut's monuments was an act of hatred or a result of gender bias. Archaeologist Jun E. Wong from the University of Toronto argues that the statues were ritually "deactivated" for religious and pragmatic reasons.
Hatshepsut, who ruled Egypt around 3,500 years ago, was one of the few female pharaohs. She is known for her extensive building projects and a period of prosperity. After her death, some of her monuments were indeed subjected to destruction, which has traditionally been linked to the hostility of her nephew and successor, Thutmose III.
However, a new study shows that the destruction was deliberate and methodical. The archaeologist examined archival excavation records from the 1920s and found that the damage was inflicted as part of a "deactivation" ritual used to neutralize the power of the statues. This calls into question the interpretation of Thutmose's actions as an attempt to erase the memory of Hatshepsut.
According to Wong, the pharaoh's actions were part of a broader politico-religious strategy. It wasn't about destruction out of revenge, but a controlled ritual embedded in the culture of ancient Egypt. This research makes an important contribution to rethinking the historical context and calls for a deeper study of political symbolism in ancient Egyptian art and power.