Sports

Representations of various games and pastimes occur on the tomb walls. Hunting and fishing were favourite pursuits. Gazelles and antelopes, even lions were hunted in the desert with the aid of hounds. La oes and bow and arrows were used. Fishing as an amusement was practised with a line and hook, or the sportsman went into the marshes in a light skiff and speared the fish with a bident. Mock fights in small boats and war-dances were indulged in. Bird-snaring was also a favourite pursuit. Many kinds of traps and nets are depicted on the tomb-walls, several for catching one bird at a time, and one very large one. This latter measured about 10 ft. by 5 ft., and was made of netted string on a frame; but the construction and method of working are difficult to understand. Wrestling, with closed or open hand, was a military exercise for rendering the body supple. Scenes showing men thus engaged occur in long sequences in the tombs at Beni Hasan. At large entertainments and feasts, of which they seemed to be very fond, the guests were amused by dancing women and music (see Dance and Music) also by men and women who performed acrobatic feats, or were skilful at throwing the ball. Tomb-pictures show women swinging one another round by the arms, bending back until the head nearly touches the heels, and so on. (See Games .)