Tuesday, December 13, 2011

CH 14 #1 Palette of Narmer vs The Great Sphinx, Giza

Egyptian art Is not only temples and pyramids, but it has drastically changed throughout its era. Some of the very first findings of Egyptian art were engraved drawings along side of cliffs. They showed the basics of their lives with simple etchings. They depicted events such as hunting with weapons and cattle or even  drawings of exaggerated sexual nature to show fertility. As the years went on, the detail and meaning in the art matured. Royalty and Hierarchy was giving in forms of metaphoric symbols. The Great Sphinx in Giza represents the most important characteristic of Egyptian art which is the essence of stability, order and endurance. The Palette of Narmer represents victory by the forces of upper Egypt which was led by Narmer.

The Great Sphinx is directly next the the great pyramid of Giza in Egypt. A sphinx has the body of a lion with a human head. The sphinx is said to symbolize a guardian figure that can fight off evil spirits and protect the tomb of Khafre from any type of evil. Over the years the Great Sphinx has been beaten and damaged by the harsh desert winds but still stands only somewhat disfigured.

Palette of Narmer was named after Horus Narmer. Narmer was a man who led upper Egypt to victory. Narmer is featured on the Palette large and in the center showing his importance. Different symbols cover the palette that are still studied today. Narmer is striking on top of an enemies head which could mean the victory on lower Egypt. Even the depiction of taming animals with a noose may show the unification of upper and lower Egypt.

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