Ancient Egyptian Religion As Seen In Art — страница 3

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Ancient Egyptians. According to Irmgard Woldering, |Most of what is known about the life of the Ancient Egyptians – about their actions as well as their ideas – is derived from representations in their tombs, funerary gifts, and inscriptionsX (29). In addition, most rare art uncovered by today+s archeologists is found adjoining or in tombs and cemeteries. For this reason, today+s archeologists have searched the tombs of Ancient Egypt in order to uncover the truth behind this society. Many incredible discoveries have been made pertaining to the use of art and architecture within tombs. For example, it was customary for the Egyptians to bury funerary gifts along with the deceased. Such items included pottery, weapons, furniture, and wooden replicas of the body. These gifts were

given so that the deceased would have all the comforts of earthly life in the hereafter. Another amazing aspect of the Ancient Egyptian+s funerary art and architecture was their grandeur. |The walls were once painted and overlayed with gold, silver, alabaster, and marble, the gates plated with gold and adorned with pillars, courtyards, and gardensX (Showker 156). Such architecture was often built in the form of great pyramids, towering high above the horizon. These tombs were made not only to encase the body of a powerful ruler but also to glorify the gods to the fullest degree. It was believed that the body, or the |ba,X was merely a transport for the earthly life, and in death the spirit, or the |ka,X would be resurrected to pursue a life in the hereafter. This is why such

emphasis was place upon the grandeur of funerary art and architecture. Although the Ancient Egyptians+ religion has been fully demonstrated through Egyptian art, architecture, and funerary practices, the influence of their beliefs has extended far beyond what is imaginable. According to Noel Q. King, author of Religions of Africa, Egyptian religion of old has had one of the greatest effects upon Africa+s modern religions (47-48). For example, the multiple gods that the Ancient Egyptians adopted into their theism so long ago are still today present in many African tribes. In addition, the methods used in ancient mummification are the root of corpse preservation in modern society. Such contributions of the Ancient Egyptians have been adapted into methods used by today+s populace in

many instances. This is because the culture of Ancient Egypt has provided a stimulus which creates the desire to live, to succeed, and to be remembered in history. Works Cited Harris, J. R., ed. The Legacy of Egypt. 2nd ed. Glasgow: Oxford University Press, 1971. Howell, J. Morton. Egypt+s Past, Present, and Future. Ohio: Service Publishing Company, 1929. King, Noel Q. Religions of Africa. New York: Harper and Row Publishing Company, 1970. Payne, Elizabeth. The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. New York: Random House Publishing Company, 1964. Showker, Kay. Egypt: A Complete Guide with Nile Cruises and Visits to the Pyramids. New York: Fodor+s, 1992. Woldering, Irmgard. The Art of Egypt. New York: Graystone Press, 1962.