The Gesture of Protruding Tongue in Ancient Egypt: Significance, Meaning and Purpose

The protruding tongue is a multifaceted gesture that has been observed in diverse cultural contexts and historical periods. In contemporary societies, it can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. It can signify a lack of respect, mischievousness, playfulness, insult, and concentration. However, in certain cultures, extending the tongue out is a gesture of greeting and respect. In ancient Egypt, the protruding tongue is represented in different contexts and is essentially associated with certain demons and gods, including the most well-known Bes, the great Cat of Heliopolis, Re cutting off the head of Apophis, Taweret, Ammit, as well as some guardians of the gates and demons of the underworld. Conversely, instances of the protruding tongue in representations of human figures are scarce, even in the most violent contexts. The protruding tongue has been likened to arrows and knives. Moreover, textual instances have been recorded where individuals or deities in Ancient Egypt were insulted, mocked, or threatened by a protruding tongue, as texts of Kamose describe the hostile stance of the Hyksos towards the Egyptians by this gesture. The protruding tongue is a common occurrence in the animal kingdom, particularly during slaughtering, hunting, and birth. In these instances, the tongue may serve to represent the animal's panic, pain, and vocalizations. The representation of animal heads with protruding tongues is a recurring motif in offering scenes. This paper will present an analysis and examination of the significance, meaning, and contexts of the protruding tongue in ancient Egyptian written, visual, and material sources.