Turin Erotic Papyrus

The Turin Erotic Papyrus (TM 832458 ) is a long Egyptian papyrus dated to the New Kingdom, perhaps around 1150 BC. It comes from the workman's village Deir el-Medina, not far from Thebes and is now in the Turin Egyptian Museum together with many other early finds from there. The papyrus has drawings of animals engaged in human activities, but is better known for depictions of a couple performing sexual activities in varying positions. For a long time it was only discussed sotto voce, and seemed to contradict the wise and pious image of the ancient Egyptians. It has been suggested, however, that the erotic scenes have religious significance and - like the animal scenes - depict a feast of reversal.