Ancient Forms of Symbolism; Egyptian Art

The Statue is of Pharaoh Amenemhet III, who was a pharaoh of the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt. I selected this artwork for my gallery due to its flawless appeal making him appear 'god-like' as most egyptian art does.

This image shows the Coffin and Mummy of Paankhanamun. His name translates to “He lives for Amun.” Paankhenamun was the doorkeeper of the temple of the god Amun, a position he inherited from his father. I chose this image because it is another beautiful artifact from ancient Egypt that symbolizes the beauty of afterlife. Cartonnage coffins were normally placed inside one or more nested wooden coffins that were also decorated.

The Statue of Sekhmet represents the Egyptian Goddess associated with Destruction. I chose this Statue for my gallery because Sakmet is displayed with a Lions head because it is said the Egyptians observed that it is the female lion who is the hunter.

The 'Bas Reliefs' is located at the Kom Ombo, a double temple for both Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. I chose this piece for my gallery because the gods are both seem having a crocodile and falcon head. Also because this picture symbolized the Pharaohs (left) connection with the gods once again distinguishing the Pharaoh from the 'normal man.'

The picture is of the Temple Pylon at Edfu. It is a temple in dedication to Horus, 'The Living King'. I chose to use this image in my gallery because it shows their depiction of Horus as 'Sky God'. It also displays a later Ptolemaic ruler, Neos Dionysos, smiting his enemies before the Horus elder.

This image is of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel. The open-air Museum of Nubia brings together cultural properties closely associated with the unfolding of a long sequence of Egyptian Pharaonic history. I found this one interesting because Standing between and on either side of the pharaoh's legs were depicted princes, princesses and Queen Nefertari, much smaller in size and standing erect. Making the Pharaoh larger than life.

The Colossi of Memnon is two gigantic statues guarding a mortuary temple constructed by Amenhotep III (18th Dynasty). I feel this is relevant with my theme because they say the mortuary temple has 'spiritual protection' and with Amenhoteps contraction of the gigantic statues, they symbolize the temple being guarded with an enormous power and presence.

This image displays the Local god Busiris, in lower egypt during an offering. I chose this picture because of the representation of Osiris and how they display man serving god. I also chose this because of the cool story of Osiris. Osiris was slain or drowned by Seth, who tore the corpse into 14 pieces and flung them over Egypt. Eventually, Isis and her sister Nephthys found and buried all the pieces, except the phallus, thereby giving new life to Osiris, who thenceforth remained in the underworld as ruler and judge. Isis revived Osiris by magical means and conceived her son Horus by him. Horus later successfully fought against Seth and became the new king of Egypt.

This leaf is part of the Book of the Dead of Padikhonsu. It displays the owner in two images, one offering two vases, the other, a separate offering. I chose this image because it is said to be a guide or manual to the afterlife. Using symbolism to display the offerings to the god Osiris

This image is of a wall in a Funerary Chapel of Ka(i)pura, Saqqara, Egypt. These side panels, usually are covered in inscriptions naming the deceased along with their titles, and a series of standardized offering formulas. These texts extol the virtues of the deceased and express positive wishes for the afterlife.