Ancient Egyptian Scribe Statue Draws Attention After Being Covered in Syrian Textbook

Images circulating on social media of a Syrian school textbook have sparked controversy over the depiction of an ancient Egyptian scribe statue.

The photographs are said to show pages from a social studies book intended for sixth-grade primary school pupils in Syria. Attention has focused on the statue appearing with part of its body covered in the textbook image.

The discussion has also renewed interest in ancient Egyptian scribe statues. These works depict members of a profession closely associated with writing, record-keeping and administration in ancient Egypt.

The available information does not identify the specific statue shown or explain why its depiction was altered. It also provides no official clarification about the textbook image.