Known as a “satire of craftsmanship,” the text extols the virtues of the scribe profession over other occupations. Although it is not physically demanding, the positions and monotonous tasks involved can take their toll, according to a new study by Petra Brukner Havelková et al. in Scientific Reports. The team analyzed 69 male skeletons from graves of high-ranking individuals in the Old Kingdom necropolis at Abusir, 30 of whom were known to be scribes. Although there were small overall differences between the scribes and non-scribes (none of whom performed heavy physical labor), the scribes had a much higher incidence of degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis in certain joints, particularly the lower jaw, cervical spine, right collarbone and shoulder, right thumb, and right knee. Although there are some age-related factors (scribes tended to live longer than those with heavier jobs), these changes are probably the result of sitting cross-legged or kneeling for long periods with the head hanging forward and the spine curved. Extreme overloading of the mandibular joint associated with these spinal changes may have been exacerbated by the constant need to bite and chew on reed pens while working.
Text: Sarah Griffiths
