Egyptian name for a region in eastern Africa which has not yet been exactly identified. It is possible that it is Somalia, a part of Ethiopia or southern Nubia; but Oman has also been suggested. From at least the 5th Dynasty, expeditions were sent to this country to bring back its rich produce, among other things, gold, ivory, fragrant materials and plants, ebony and other woods and certain animals. An autobiographical text from the Old Kingdom, recorded by a certain Harkhuf in his tomb at Elephantine, tells how he also brought back a dwarf from the south for the young king Pepi II, who was delighted with it. The best known and best documented expedition to Punt took place under Queen Hatshepsut. Scenes from it are depicted in her temple at Deir el-Bahari. Among other things, several myrrh trees were brought back to Egypt.