A Brief Summary Of A Famous Egyptian Antique

By Gamal Rasheed


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

The manner that the Egyptian Ankh originated is described in many theories and legendary stories. Many of them describe that the Ankh is a symbolic expression of sex. A number of other theoretical facts say that the knot of Isis is shown in the form of a contemporary bow.

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

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

Egyptology has not yet derived a logical conclusion regarding the birth of the Egyptian Ankh. Nevertheless, the studies don't really confuse us, as the main thing signified by the Ankh is that it symbolizes life. Hence, in Egypt there is a depiction of many of their deities holding the Ankh symbol which stands for life.

In a few of the hieroglyphics, a king with an Ankh over his lips is pictured, and it is said to be symbolic of the 'breath of life'. Deeper studies reveal that this Egyptian Ankh actually gives a symbolic expression of air and water which are mandatory for the existence of life.

Historians have also been able to find a number of anthropomorphic pictures from ancient Egypt. In these pictures the ankh is shown with an ostrich feather fan that is composed as the backdrop of the picture with the Pharaoh in front of it. This kind of pictures depict a variant meaning of the symbol.

The Egyptian Ankh is displayed in a peculiar manner wherein numerous symbols are made to form a chain. This picture of a chain of Ankhs is often found on water receptacles expressing the powerful nature of water. Objects used for libation during ritualistic activities also display the Ankh.

Another important fact about the Egyptian Ankh symbol is that many items used in their everyday lives, had been intentionally made in the form of the Ankh. Objects which were particularly used in royal functions, involving religious rituals were made like the Ankh. However, the common people had either Ankh-shaped objects or simply the Ankh picture painted on the object. Mirrors, spoons, sistrums and many crockery items were often Ankh-shaped.




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