The exact translated text of the royal letter from Pharaoh Pepi II (using his throne name, Neferkare) to his expedition leader, Harkhuf, is carved on the exterior facade of Harkhuf's tomb in Qubbet el-Hawa (Aswan, Egypt). The primary translations used by Egyptologists are sourced from Ancient Records of Egypt by James Henry Breasted and Ancient Egyptian Literature by Miriam Lichtheim. Summary of the Letter (Circa 2278 BCE)In the letter, Pharaoh Pepi II expresses great joy to Harkhuf upon hearing of his safe return from the land of Yam with valuable gifts, specifically requesting the immediate and safe transport of a "dancing dwarf of the god". The Pharaoh highlights the importance of the dwarf, noting it brings as much joy as a previous dwarf brought during the reign of Isesi. Pepi II gives explicit, repeated instructions for the dwarf’s care, emphasizing that guard should be kept "ten times a night" to prevent any harm. The letter concludes by promising a reward greater than any previous expedition received, stating his desire to see the dwarf exceeds all other treasures. Academic Sources & VerificationThe full text of the inscription can be found in the following scholarly works:Miriam Lichtheim, Ancient Egyptian Literature: Vol. I (pp. 26-27).James Henry Breasted, Ancient Records of Egypt, Part I (§§ 351-354).Archaeological Context: The original text is inscribed in the tomb of Harkhuf (Tomb No. 34) at Qubbet el-Hawa.Digital Resources: Summaries are available through the ⁠World History Encyclopedia and ⁠Tour Egypt. Pharaoh Pepi II demanded a "dancing dwarf" for court entertainment and spiritual rituals. People with dwarfism held high societal status in ancient Egypt and were revered as divine, lucky, and capable of performing sacred dances that were believed to protect the realm and please the gods. When Pepi II was just a child (around 6 to 8 years old), his royal explorer, Harkhuf, returned from a long expedition in the interior of Africa and sent word to the king that he was bringing back a rare "dancing pygmy". The young pharaoh was so thrilled that he wrote a famous letter (which is carved into Harkhuf's tomb) dictating precisely how the dwarf should be cared for. Pepi II commanded that the dwarf be brought to the palace immediately.He ordered Harkhuf to appoint highly reliable guards to sleep next to the dwarf and watch over him at all times.The king ordered his men to check on the dwarf "ten times a night" to make sure he didn't fall overboard and drown in the Nile.Pepi II famously declared he desired to see the dwarf "more than all the treasures of Sinai and Punt." Pepi II's extreme excitement was not for mockery, but rooted in deep cultural and religious beliefs Sacred Connections: Ancient Egyptians associated individuals with dwarfism with divinity. They were closely linked to Ptah-Pataikos (a dwarf craftsman and creator deity associated with rebirth) and Bes (the protective dwarf god of music, the home, and childbirth). Ritual Performances: The dwarf was required for the "dances of the god." The Egyptians believed that ritual dances could ward off evil, appease angry deities, and ensure the changing of the seasons and the rising of the annual Nile flood. High Social Status: Dwarfs in ancient Egypt were not just entertainers; they often held prominent, respected roles in the royal court, including royal jewelers, overseers of the wardrobe, and personal attendants to the pharaoh. #pourtoi #creatorsearchinsight #ancientegypt #dwarf #dancingbaby - @merikare_