Ancient Egyptian Jewelry Meaning

It was also used as the symbol of the union between men and women particularly the union of osiris and isis which was believed to flood the river of nile thus bringing fertility to egypt.

Ancient egyptian jewelry meaning.

Every ancient egyptian owned jewelry regardless of gender or class. It was not indigenous to the area. Most common egyptian symbols and their meanings egyptian symbolism has its origins in their most ancient creation mythologies. It could show one s status and wealth or make a statement about one s religious beliefs.

Ancient egyptian jewelry today. Jewelry and amulets help us understand ancient egyptian religion trade networking and class as well as giving us insight into cultural concepts such as color significance. Ancient egyptian jewelry facts earrings were new to royalty in king tut s time and probably were brought from western asia. The ankh is the most well known symbol to come out of ancient egypt the general meaning of the symbol in its hieroglyphic system of writing the ankh represents the concept of eternal life the ankh or the key of life the ankh frequently appears in egyptian tomb paintings and other art it is known as the key of the nile as the union between osiris and isis the ankh was associated with.

Amulets often represented deities sacred animals body parts hieroglyphic symbols or emblems. Statues of kings and gods were adorned with lavish jewels and the deceased. Because ancient egyptians were superstitious a popular piece of jewelry was the amulet or lucky charm. Ankh the egyptian symbol of life.

The ornaments included heart scarabs lucky charms bracelets beaded necklaces and rings. It was buried with men and women because the egyptians expected to enjoy wearing their finery in the afterlife. As the most commonly used symbol among the ancient egyptian symbols the ankh which is also known as crux ansata by coptic christians represents life and immortality. The ancient egyptians highly valued personal adornment and jewelry was worn by both men and women of all social classes.

I find the use of color symbolism very interesting especially when compared to modern depiction of color or use of color in other cultures such as chakras in hindu belief. It also offered protection such as amulets and pectorals that were attached to necklaces more on that later. Lapis lazuli the most popular egyptian stone had to be imported. Egyptians thought that amulets bestowed good fortune as well as protective and healing powers.

While others wore jewelry made from rocks bones. The jewelry of ancient egyptians held religious and symbolic significance and was treasured for its beauty and power against evil and death. For noble egyptians like queens and pharaohs the egyptian jewelry was made from precious metals minerals gems and coloured glass.