A Falcon-Headed Crocodile Hieroglyph

The Akhom-Entity Twice as Vigilant

Abstract

When reffering to supra-human entities, the noun ꜥḫm/ꜥšm/ꜥẖm is usually classified by falcon or crocodile hieroglyphs, animals associated with vigilance through their eyes. This note argues that the falcon-headed crocodile classifier is not merely a graphic fusion but a deliberate theological allusion to the composite form of Khonsu-Shu, who functions as a vigilant guardian of the dead in the Beyond. The comparison with simpler crocodile classifiers highlights this specific iconographic choice.