Ancient Egyptian Jewelry Meaning

For noble egyptians like queens and pharaohs the egyptian jewelry was made from precious metals minerals gems and coloured glass.

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. The use of material especially pertaining to color was very significant in amulets. Marilyn schaffer professor emerita university of hartford introduction. It was buried with men and women because the egyptians expected to enjoy wearing their finery in the afterlife.

Ancient egyptian jewelry is considered some of the most beautiful in the world. Symbols meanings in ancient egypt. Serpents are one of the most ancient and widespread of mythological symbols just look at egyptian and chinese mythology. The powerpoint presentation includes samples of ancient egyptian jewelry and the meaning of the symbols used to create the jewels.

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. Ancient egyptian jewelry today. Ankh the egyptian symbol of life.

It could show one s status and wealth or make a statement about one s religious beliefs. Every ancient egyptian owned jewelry regardless of gender or class. The symbol color and material of the amulet all held significant meaning. 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.

While others wore jewelry made from rocks bones. Statues of kings and gods were adorned with lavish jewels and the deceased. Jewelry in ancient egypt was used primarily as amulets. This presentation is to serve as a supplemental.

It also offered protection such as amulets and pectorals that were attached to necklaces more on that later. The jewelry of ancient egyptians held religious and symbolic significance and was treasured for its beauty and power against evil and death. Ancient egyptian jewelry facts earrings were new to royalty in king tut s time and probably were brought from western asia. Ancient egyptian jewelry was not just for style it was about conveying meaning beyond just beautifying the wearer.

Most popularly amulets are seen among mummies placed on specific parts of the body to assist them into to afterlife. Gold boa earrings approx.