Senin, 12 Agustus 2013

An Insight Into Ankhs Of North Africa

By Gamal Rasheed


The symbol of the old Egyptian Ankh is among the most familiar hieroglyphics from the history of Egypt. In terms of its appearance it is similar to the symbol of the cross that is supposed to represent Christianity with the only distinction as a loop above the top bar.

There are many theories and legends concerning 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.

Hieroglyphics or the Egyptian scripts explain the Ankh symbol in detail. Some explanations give a detailed picture of the lower part of the Ankh. In fact the lower portion is partitioned to form the two ends of a bow.

A study of the oldest scripts of hieroglyphics reveals that the Egyptian Ankh is divided from the end portion. Egyptologists, after looking up the origin of the knot-like form of the Ankh, think that it indicates a religious sign.

Even though historians have not been able to reach an absolute conclusion regarding the origins of the symbol of the Ankh, there isn't any confusion about what it represents. In its essence the Egyptian symbol is supposed to represent life. This is why many ancient Egyptian deities have been depicted carrying the symbol of the Ankh in their hands symbolizing life.

In some of the hieroglyphics, a king with an Ankh over his lips is pictured, and it is considered symbolic of the 'breath of life'. Deeper research shows that this Egyptian Ankh really provides a symbolic expression of air and water that are mandatory for the existence of life.

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

One more exclusive manner 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 generally 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 really created in the form of the Ankh symbol and used for religious ceremonies.

Another significant fact about the Egyptian Ankh symbol is that many items used in their everyday lives, had been purposely 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 several crockery items were often Ankh-shaped.




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