Symbolism in Gold: Unveiling Ancient Egyptian Society Through Jewelry

Symbolism in Gold: Unveiling Ancient Egyptian Society Through Jewelry

Presenter(s)

Caroline Rose Curti

Comments

Presentation: 9:30-11:00, Kennedy Union 331

Description

Ancient Egyptian jewelry served as more than just personal adornment; it embodied profound cultural and religious significance. This paper explores its evolution through key periods: the pioneering Badarian Culture, the reformative Middle Kingdom, and the prosperous New Kingdom. From faience beads symbolizing the Nile's vitality to amulets representing protection and resurrection, each era reveals intricate beliefs and societal values. The iconic Heart Scarab of the New Kingdom, crafted from gold and serpentinite, epitomizes the Egyptians' reverence for rebirth and the afterlife. Inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, these scarabs served as guides for the deceased. Through these artifacts, we glimpse the complex tapestry of ancient Egyptian civilization, where jewelry transcended ornamentation to become vessels of cultural identity and spiritual aspiration.

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Project Designation

Capstone Project

Primary Advisor

Judith L. Huacuja

Primary Advisor's Department

Art and Design

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship

Symbolism in Gold: Unveiling Ancient Egyptian Society Through Jewelry

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