Egypt power point

Egyptian Symbols

and

Decorative Motifs

• 2 are common:

• Guilloche [gi-lohsh] =

– curving wave pattern

• Chevron or zigzag =

– for the Nile or water

Winged Scarab

• Scarab - beetle

Symbol of the sun god and life

• Scarab Amulet

– worn to ward off evil, illness

– or to bring good fortune

Ankh

Symbol of eternal life

Udjat

• Eye of Horus

– falcon headed god - protection

• Udjat = all-seeing eye

– human eye with falcon

• Udjat amulet

– royal power

– protection

– against sickness

– against death

The Cartouche• Oval with symbols

– Shape = protective border

– Encloses king’s name

– Includes an epithet =

words/ symbols of praise

Cartouche of King Tut

Wave = Nile

Amun = god

Ankh =

eternal life

King Tut = bird

Crook = ruler

Upper Egypt Lower Egypt

Horus = falcon-headed sky god

Cartouche

Anubis = jackal

guardian of dead

Ankh = Life

Udjat = all-seeing eye

Egyptian Symbols Tomb Painting -

Ramses I, Dynasty XIX,

1320-1318 B.C.