Ancient Egypt has always held a particular fascination for the world, with interest only increasing with recent findings and the possibility of coming closer to uncovering Cleopatra’s tomb.
The importance of symbols in Ancient Egypt’s history is paramount to understanding the culture. Symbology was used in communication, religious aid, and leadership, playing a key role in shaping the once-thriving nation. Here are 19 of the most common symbols presented in Egyptian history.
1. The Eye of Ra
Considered the female counterpart to the sun god Ra, the Eye of Ra symbolized fertility and growth and was a term for life. It was also assumed to bring harmony and protection, often used in funeral procedures or jewelry designs to protect the individual.
2. Ka
The ka symbol represents an individual’s spirit or soul. Egyptians believed that a human form was delivered at birth, as was its ka. Many would toast to their ka, and it was thought that after death, the ka would continue to live. The ka is represented in Egyptian hieroglyphics as a set of lifted open arms.
3. The Ankh
Perhaps one of the most familiar Egyptian symbols, the ankh, is visualized as a cross with a loop at the top. Known as the key of life or the key of the Nile, it was used frequently in funeral proceedings and as a sign of goodwill and peace.
4. The Scarab Beetle
The scarab beetle hieroglyph, known as Kheper, covered themes like existence, manifestation, development, and growth. It was popular in jewelry design and frequently appeared in Egyptian art.
5. Cartouche
A cartouche was the ancient Egyptian version of a name tag. An oval would be drawn around a group of hieroglyphs, implying that together, they formed a name. The cartouche was also supposed to protect the name within from evil spirits in both the current life and the afterlife.
6. Ba
The symbol ba was a religious term. It appeared as a bird with a man’s head and depicted the mobility of a person’s soul after dying. In ancient Egyptian art, the ba flies above mummies after death.
7. Ouroboros
Used in both ancient Egypt and ancient Greece, the ouroboros appeared as a serpent eating its tail and, in action, making a perfect circle. The ouroboros showed general unity, both of material and spiritual things. It was the cycle of creation shown as a snake.
8. Djed
In Egyptian culture, a djed was originally just a pillar, later used to depict stability. It has many references, representing a god’s backbone or trees. Ultimately, the messaging remained the same: the djed was a symbol of permanence.
9. Winged Sun
Ancient Egyptian symbols have changed and developed throughout ancient history, but the common factor for the winged sun was that it always emulated power. Like other favored symbols, it impacted eternal life and aided in protection. However, the sun was lifegiving and all-powerful, so this symbol often referenced royalty.
10. Knot of Isis
The meaning of the knot of Isis is vague, but the general idea has always revolved around a woman’s fertility. As seen with the Eye of Ra, female reproduction was celebrated as lifegiving, which was fundamental alongside the Egyptian belief in the afterlife.
11. Uraeus
Uraeus was depicted as a cobra, most famously at the forefront of King Tutankhamun’s death mask. Often found on items belonging to royalty or the elite, Uraeus was a symbol of divine authority and also used to represent deities.
12. Feather of Ma’at
Based on an ostrich feather, the Feather of Ma’at symbolized equity, balance, and peace. It references the Goddess Ma’at, the goddess of cosmic balance, among other things. The feather served as a symbol of balance, a theme frequently illustrated in Egyptian artwork.
13. Was Scepter
The was Scepter originated around the reality of forked sticks that Egyptians used to capture poisonous snakes. It represented power or dominion and, in later years, was identified with Set, the god of chaos. In some myths, it held the power between the underworld and the mortal world.
14. The Lotus Flower
The lotus flower, specifically the blue lotus, is seen frequently in Egyptian hieroglyphics. It symbolizes rebirth and, in particular, resurrection. Egyptians used lotus flowers in burials and childbirth for the powers they possessed.
15. The Crowns of Egypt
Many crowns are part of ancient Egyptian history, including the Deshret, the Hedjet, the Pschent, and the Kepresh Crown. Each crown symbolized the purpose of its ruler, whether they were asserting power or going to battle. Some crowns, like the Deshret and Hedjet crowns, defined which area of Egypt the pharaoh ruled.
16. Canopic Jars
Many upper-class Egyptians were buried alongside four canopic jars, one for each vital organ. It was thought that protecting the organs would allow them to transition from the mortal world to the afterlife.
The canopic jars were designed with the head of a guardian, each one specific for the organ within. The liver, stomach, intestines, and lungs were all secured. The heart remained inside the body, and the brain was destroyed, as it was believed unnecessary to the afterlife.
17. Seba
The Seba symbol appears as a star, similar to how we would draw an asterisk today. Seba represented the stars, which was important as ancient Egyptians loved their astrology. Seba symbolizes discipline and learning and was also used as a gateway or doorway, often from the mortal world into the afterlife.
18. Menat
A type of necklace, a menat was a symbol of divine protection. It indicated virality in men and fruitfulness and health in women. It was often found at burial sites.
19. Obelisk
Tall pillars with pyramid peaks can be found dotted around Egypt even today. Often arranged in pairs to demonstrate harmony, the large structures have also been detailed in Egyptian records.
Obelisks were considered monuments to the gods, often positioned outside of temples.
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Caitriona Maria
Education writer at TPR Teaching | https://www.tprteaching.com
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
