THE ATEF CROWN OF AUSAR AND ANCIENT AFRICAN INFLUENCE OVER THE LEVANTThe influence of Ancient Africans over the Levant dates back to the third millennium BCE, as evidenced by archaeological findings and historical records. This period marks the dominion of pharaonic power and practices that spread from Nubia to the delta region of Egypt, subsequently affecting surrounding territories, including the Levant. An illustrative quote to support this is: "Nubia and Egypt had a common origin, with the Nubians establishing the pharaonic ideologies and practices, which spread as far north to the delta region during the third millennium BCE". This indicates a significant cultural exchange and influence that established foundations for later interactions between these regions.Larry Ross, Nubia and Egypt: From Prehistory to the Meroitic Period, Edwin Mellen Press, 2012, p. 108Ancient Egyptian rule over the Levant dates back as far as the 15th century BCE when Egypt had provinces both in Retjenu and Canaan, which were vassal states of the Egyptian Empire. After the chaos of the First and Second Intermediate Periods, Egypt established these provinces and built garrisons to defend its borders from hostile powers in the Near East, such as the Hittites and other rival kingdoms. These garrisons acted as buffer states, securing Egyptian dominance over vital trade routes and ensuring the steady flow of resources like timber, lapis lazuli and copper. They also helped extend Pharaoh's influence over local Canaanite city-states through a system of vassalage and military presence.This influence is particularly evident in the artistic and religious practices of the Canaanites, who adopted various elements of Egyptian iconography, most notably the Atef crown and infused them with their local beliefs. This distinctive crown, mainly associated with Osiris, the god of the dead, symbolizes kingship and divine authority. It is essentially the Hedjet crown of Upper Egypt, adorned with two ostrich feathers on either side.The Canaanite adaptation of the Atef crown in their depictions of local deities illustrates the significant cultural exchange occurring during this period. As stated in a description of a Canaanite figure wearing the Atef crown topped with what appears to be 3 sun discs, “Here the figure represented is not the Egyptian king but rather an ancient Near Eastern depiction of a local deity of the Levant area”.This blending of styles and motifs during the Late Bronze Age resulted in an "Egyptianizing" style that permeated the artistic expressions of the Levant. The flow of culture and influence coincides with the movement of people from as far south as the Horn of Africa into Western Asia."Ehret cited other genetic evidence which had identified the Horn of Africa as a source of a genetic marker “M35 /215” Y-chromosome lineage for a significant population component which moved north from that region into Egypt and the Levant."Keita and Boyce, "The Historical Genetics of the Nile Valley," 2005, American Journal of Human Genetics, p. 1014: https://www.academia.edu/121820837/Ancient_Africa_a_global_history_to_300_ce_by_Christopher_Ehret_Princeton_and_Oxford_Princeton_University_Press_2023_224_pp_27_95_22_00_hardback_ISBN_9780691244099Notably, archaeological findings at sites such as Hazor further underscore the presence of Egyptian influence in the region. A number of Egyptian statues have been discovered at Hazor, including one found in 2013 that features the paws of a sphinx. The presence of these artifacts in northern Israel is remarkable, especially since they were found deliberately smashed, suggesting a complex relationship between the Canaanites and their Egyptian counterparts. This destruction may reflect political tensions or shifts in religious beliefs, marking a transition in the cultural landscape of the Levant. A team of archaeologists put together a report and detailed the discovery of Egyptian artifacts discovered at the ancient site of Hazor in Israel. They document the discovery of the head of Pharaoh and the anthropological record of Hazor's destruction which took place around 1233 BCE.“A number of Egyptian statues have also been discovered at Hazor, including one found in 2013 that has the paws of a sphinx. Given Hazor's location in northern Israel, the number of Egyptian statues and statuary fragments uncovered at the site is surprising”, a team of scholars wrote in another report published in the book. “All statues appear to have been deliberately smashed to pieces", wrote Egyptologists Dimitri Laboury and Simon Connor.A Pharaonic Head from Hazor: https the ancient Greek historian, also provides valuable insights into the interactions between Egyptians and the peoples of the Levant. The discussion of Egypt’s presence in the Near East has been ongoing for some time now. Herodotus sheds further light on the exploits of Egyptians and Kushites in Canaan and Anatolia, offering insights into their interactions and significance in the region. He documents these exploits noting the remnants of their presence, including monuments inscribed with messages of conquest noted in the following: “Herodotus saw and describes these monuments first in Palestine, and afterwards two rock-monuments in Asia Minor, the situation of which he minutely particularizes; the statue of an armed man in Egyptian and Ethiopian (Kushite) adornments, with an inscription in hieroglyphics on the breast, signifying, ‘I have occupied this country.’ Further, his monuments were seen in Thrace, but not beyond; for here he turned back.”Source: Historical Researches Into the Politics, Intercourse, and Trade of the Carthaginians, Ethiopians and Egyptians, pg 428-430, 1857Herodotus's observations highlight the broader implications of Egyptian cultural and political dominance, which extended well beyond their borders. The ancient Egyptian influence on the Levant, particularly through the adoption of iconography like the Atef crown, represents a significant cultural intermingling during the Late Bronze Age. The fusion of artistic styles, as well as the physical evidence of Egyptian artifacts in Canaanite sites, illustrates the depth of this influence. These interactions not only shaped the religious and cultural identities of the Levant but also reflected the broader dynamics of power and exchange in the ancient Near East.Ancient Egyptian motifs were adopted not only by Canaanites but also by the Achaemenid Empire around 559–530 BCE. Cyrus the Great can be seen donning the Hem Hem crown most noticeably worn by King Tutankhamen on the back of his royal throne. You can see both Cyrus the Great and Cannaite Gods adorning the Hem Hem crown long after these motifs were established within the Nile Valley religious framework. You can also see an emulation of Narmer's Palette being adopted by the Canaanite God Baal who also is seen donning the Atef Crown while smiting his enemy. The following statue is of an unnamed Canaanite god.“Here the figure represented is not the Egyptian king but rather an ancient Near Eastern depiction of a local deity of the Levant area…. The crown is the distinctive Egyptian Atef crown of Osiris, god of the dead, with uraeus at the forehead, worn by the pharaoh at his jubilee festival or in mortuary contexts. In the Late Bronze Age, a time of intense international economic, political, and cultural connections, artistic elements of a variety of cultures were incorporated into local styles. Egyptian art especially influenced the art of the Levant at this time, resulting in an "Egyptianizing" style. Black African Origins of Ancient Egypt I have not spoken angrily or arrogantly. I have not cursed anyone in thought, word or deeds." ~ 35th & 36th Principals of Ma'at

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