For this blog i chose The Pectoral Of Senusret II. The Pectoral Of Senusret II, was found in the Tomb of Princess Sithathoryuent, who ruled c. 1842-1837 BCE. In Egypt royal dress (ecspecialy jewelry) was very well respected, and was often worn by kings and queens. The Pectoral of Senusret II was made of gold and semiprecious stones and has the name of Senusret II on it. There are also many ancient Egyptian symbols incorporated into this piece of jewelry such as the ankh (the symbol of life), a cartouche, Ra (the symbold of rebirth), and the scarab a beetle which represented rebirth and everlasting life. "Decoded , the pectoral's combination of images yields the message: "May the sun god give eternal life to Senusret II" ( Marilyn Stokstad, pg.64).
As i stated above in Ancient Egyptian jewelry represtend high class and even royalty. In todays society the people of high class often movie stars or royalty are seen wearing expensive diamond and jewel filled necklaces. Today most of these necklaces (or other expensive pieces of jewelry) do not have any specific meaning. They are usually just worn to show off your money or class. I think there is no point to wear something so expensive that has no point to it just to flash your money. In Egypt jewelry had a meaning, or protected you in some sort of way.
Kaitlin-Great blog! A lot of other people have compared architecture so it was nice to see a comparision of jewelry. I think that it is very interesting to note the differne of purpose between Egyptian jewelry and jewelry today. It seems much more meaningful and worthwhile knowing that the Egyptian jewelry had a spiritual and protective purpose. I agree that today, important figures and celebreties use jewelry as a a simple decoration or symbol of status and class.
ReplyDeleteI agree that some celebrities or other high class individuals may wear jewelry to express their worth. But I actually wear a crucifix necklace for spirituality purposes and gives me more reason to wear it everyday.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
This is a really good post! I like how you wrote about a piece of jewelry. The Pectoral Of Senusret II is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI get the feeling that ancient egyptians professed spiritual meaning(s) were ostensible at best. Jewelery may have multiple meanings, but acting as a representation of wealth seems to be intrinsic of uber-shiny rocks placed on semi, but eqaully shiny, metals. Then again i once wore jewelry in a manner that wasn't to show off wealth: it was a (decapitated/lucky) rabbits foot that i wore in second grade, reminding my peers that some rabbit was now hopping/stumbling around in some patch with three paws.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation. I also think that many people nowdays wear expensive jewelry just to show how affluent they are.
ReplyDeletethis one a great blog, one of the best i have seen. i agree with you on how the ancient egyptians royalities and our today famous stars and high class people wear such jewlerey. to me the ancient egyptian royalities such as queen and king made it more personal tho, as in they have there name on them, also becuase of the symbols (of life and rebirth, etc), as if it was made specially for that person.
ReplyDeleteAncient Egypt has beautiful jewelery. Today jewelery still symbolizes wealth and prestige.
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