Art History: Predynastic Egypt

(5000 - 2920 BCE)

Nile Valley

fertile land surrounding Nile River

true or false: development of early hieroglyphs ocurred in this period

true

Iconography

symbols, images, motifs

What advancements are associated with this period?

Cooper tools, flint blade, and arrowheads

Was trade prominent in this period?

true

What two types of symbolism are associated with this period?

Animal and material symbolism, as well as magical connections

What are the themes within this period?

Rows of animals, geometric motifs + patterns, bull imagery = rep of king, smiting scenes and poses

What is different and similar about organized religion in early and late predynastic egypt?

Early: kings honor gods

Late: Kings honor gods in more centralized temples + more public rituals

Early & late: gods and kings are depicted as more in partnership and assisting king/kingship in afterlife

Ra

Overseer god, solar +sun

Horus

Sky & war, depicted as falcon or falcon headed deity. Later association w creation myth & Wadjet Eye

Ptah

created all other gods + lifeforms, linked to city of Memphis (capital of Egypt in that time), associated with Apis bulls

Seth

emerged later, considered protector of souls in afterlife but roles change over time. Manifests as “Seth Animal” (a dog/anteater creature)

Upper Egypt location

Southern on river

Lower Egypt location

North on river

Flinders Petrie (1853 - 1942)

Self trained archaeologist
Later educated and became chair of Egyptian Archaeology at College of London
Surveys Stone Hedge
1st to incorporate strategic survey methods

develops method for dating layers

Naqada I: Amratian (3900-3650 BCE)

• black topped pottery

• painted pottery w geometric designs

• trade w Mubia, western desert oases, and mediterranean

Naqada II: Gerzean (3650-3300 BCE)

• early metal working

• pottery

Naqada III: Semanean (3300-2900 BCE)

complex tombs + grave goods

first pharaohs

early forms of hieroglyphs