A Passing Look At A Rare Egyptian Antiquity

By Gamal Rasheed


In olden days, the Egyptians used an exceptional symbol known as the Egyptian Ankh. Among the list of many symbols of the Egyptian script or hieroglyphics, the Egyptian Ankh is well-known. Though it looks similar to the cross that depicts Christianity, a loop present above the top line makes it a bit different.

There are lots of theories and legends regarding the origin of the Egyptian Ankh symbol. Some suggest that it is the manifestation of sexual symbolism. Others suggest that it is a representation of an elaborate bow much in the same manner as the knot of Isis.

Many ancient hieroglyphics give a very detailed depiction of the symbol of the Ankh. Many of them clearly go to show that the lower section of the symbol is actually made up of two parts and these two parts are the end of a bow.

The earliest examples of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics actually depict the Ankh as being separated from the ends. This is why Egyptologists think that originally the symbol must have had some of religious significance in the form of a knot.

Although historians have not been able to reach an absolute conclusion about the origins of the symbol of the Ankh, there is no confusion about what it represents. In its essence the Egyptian symbol is supposed to represent life. That is why many ancient Egyptian deities have been depicted carrying the symbol of the Ankh in their hands representing life.

A much deeper meaning of the symbol shows that it may really be representing life-giving elements like water and air. In many hieroglyphics the symbol of the Ankh is shown as being presented upon the lips of the King thereby representing the "breath of life".

Anthropomorphism is a significant part of Egyptian antiquities. Many pictures associated with this aspect have been discovered in Egypt. One such picture depicts a pharaoh in the background of the Egyptian Ankh in the form of a fan of ostrich feathers. Thus such pictorial representations of the Ankh provide various meanings.

One more unique way in which the symbol has been represented was in the form of chains wherein which numerous Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to one another. Such patterns are commonly depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured thereby symbolizing the power of water. Archaeologists have also been able to find examples of libation vessels that were actually created in the form of the Ankh symbol and used for religious ceremonies.

The value of this particular symbol can be seen in the truth that a variety of everyday use objects were purposely created in the form of the symbol. This included all kinds of items including those that were typically used in royal and religious ceremonies whereas on the other hand the common man would also have numerous items either made in the shape of the symbol or carrying a pattern or print of the symbol. The list of items that were often seen in the shape of the Ankh symbol included mirrors, sistrums, spoons and other crockery items.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire