The iconography of fish in the Nagada culture

Fish had a significant role in the diet of Nile Valley inhabitants. They were an important source of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. Their nutrition and healthy properties were revered by ancient Egyptians, which is supported by references to fish in medical papyri. Numerous fishing scenes and fish depictions are known from the dynastic periods. Their specific role in Egyptian mythology impacts the development of the consumption taboo, however, their symbolic and magical meaning was reflected by their representations in art. Among them, tilapia had a special place in Egyptian beliefs. But fish had been appearing as a symbol since at least the Predynastic period. In this paper, the fish representations from the Nagada period will be examined to determine their symbolic and magical meaning at the time of state formation and the development of the Egyptian civilization.