المستخلص: |
Integrating spirituality in the workplace is a socio- psychological phenomenon that has existed since ancient times until today. This paper investigates workplace spirituality in Late Antique Egypt through visual evidence. During this period, the diverse religious and spiritual orientations of individuals (Christian and/or pagan) interacted with their socio-economic circumstances and defined their daily spiritual practices in workplaces. This interaction was reflected on visual media, where Coptic artists visualized the hopes and fears of professionals. The study concerns two classes: scribes, representing the upper class professionals, and weavers, representing the middle class. Scribes wielded social power as a result of their distinguished education, social networks, social mobility, and wealth. Nonetheless, they might face challenges with government officials. The Coptic artist decorated scribal tools with spiritual imagery invoking the miraculous protective power of military saints against anonymous enemies. As for weavers, they had different challenges, most prominently the limited income, and the restrictions of Roman legislation. Therefore, spiritual imagery on weaving tools was intended to entreat the power of Christian and pagan spirits to accomplish their wishes of abundance, wellbeing and fortune.
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