Keywords
Book of Mormon heads, mnemonic cues, Egyptian literary culture, scribal practice
Abstract
This paper looks at the two types of heads used in the Book of Mormon. It argues against a recent theory that these heads served as mnemonic cues that enabled Joseph Smith to extemporaneously compose and dictate the text. Instead, it argues that the function and form of heads in the Book of Mormon finds ancient precedent in Egyptian literary culture and scribal practice. A brief addendum on the ancient precedent for the chapter breaks in the original text of the Book of Mormon is also provided.
Recommended Citation
Smoot, Stephen O.
(2020)
"Notes on Book of Mormon Heads,"
Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship: Vol. 40, Article 13.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/interpreter/vol40/iss1/13
