...EGYPTIAN ART Representative for the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, “The Palette of Narmer” is believed to symbolize the unification of the Upper Egypt (South Egypt) with the Lower Egypt (North Egypt). The Palette includes myths and symbols encrypted in hieroglyphic inscriptions on both sides. The artwork is laid down on a triangular - like shape with all corners rounded and the upper side bearing two protuberances connected by a median rounded line. The represented motifs and symbols contain relief forms as it also creates a conceptual unity. It bears the artistic conventions of the early Dynasty as the Kings and the hierarchically important figures are represented with their head and feet in profile,...
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...ArtH 111 Midterm Study Guide 1. Menkaure & Khamerernebty • Context-religious This is a Ka sculpture. In Egyptian culture, there is the notion that an energy/spirit/soul, the Ka, survived after the actual body expired. Even though there was no longer a body, the Ka would continue to need shelter and sustenance; the Ka would inhabit the mummy to receive offering from family, worshippers, etc. Because mummies were frequently stolen or destroyed, Ka sculptures were made in case the Ka spirit needed a new shelter. The family could ten continue to bring offerings to the Ka. • Style-period This piece is of the Egyptian Old Kingdom style. It is a freestanding piece, but connected by back to the Greywacke block; this is very characteristic of the period style. As for the form, it is also characteristic in the manner that bilateral symmetry prevails, there are harmonious proportions, and how the lines work to keep the human figure compact. It is also characteristic of the Egyptian Old Kingdom style in the manner of how the portrait establishes a standard representation of Kingship and Queenship. They carry themselves as royalty, are wearing distinctive high status clothing (Headdresses, false beard), and the female’s “womanhood” is very apparent (swollen belly, full breasts, pubic triangle). 2. The Apoxyomenos (“The Scraper”) • Materials The Greek original of this piece was a bronze. Unfortunately, like many other pieces of the time, it was melted down. What...
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...ancient cultures that they are truly unique and utterly irreplaceable. The gold mask of Tutankhamun was allowed to leave Egypt for display overseas; the Narmer Palette, on the other hand, is so valuable that it has never been permitted to leave the country. Discovered among a group of sacred implements ritually buried in a deposit within an early temple of the falcon god Horus at the site of Hierakonpolis (the capital of Egypt during the pre-dynastic period), this large ceremonial object is one of the most important artifacts from the dawn of Egyptian civilization. The beautifully carved palette, 63.5 cm (more than 2 feet) in height and made of smooth greyish-green siltstone, is decorated on both faces with detailed low relief. These scenes show a king, identified by name as Narmer, and a series of ambiguous scenes that have been difficult to interpret and have resulted in a number of theories regarding their meaning. The high quality of the workmanship, its original function as a ritual object dedicated to a god, and the complexity of the imagery clearly indicate that this was a significant object, but a satisfactory interpretation of the scenes has been elusive. What was the palette used for? The object itself is a monumental version of a type of daily use item commonly found in the predynastic period—palettes were generally flat, minimally decorated stone objects used for grinding and mixing minerals for cosmetics. Dark eyeliner was an essential aspect of life...
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