Two Names, One Compound: The rwd ‘n?w ?tn and the Sunshade of Re at Kom el-Nana

Abstract

Inscription fragments from the site of Kom el-Nana at Tell el-Amarna, the location of the capital city of Akhenaten, have established the location of two structures previously thought lost or nonexistent: a Sunshade of Re likely of Nefertiti, and the rwd ‘n?w ?tn. This article reviews the evidence for the two structures, suggesting that although closely related, they were likely separate but complementary structures. The article also includes a discussion of possible reasons the archaeological record outside of Kom el-Nana proper never mentions the two names together. It also offers suggestions regarding the function of Kom el-Nana at Tell el-Amarna.