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The impact of the symbolism and iconography of the Ankh, sun-disk and Wadjet eye on modern (“western”) society

Ancient Egypt has long been a place of intrigue and mystery, being held in high esteem during ancient times. In modern times ancient Egypt has once again risen to such a position with many ancient Egyptian-based symbols and iconology being used in modern culture since its birth in the renaissance. Three easily identifiable and commonly used symbols are identified: the ankh, sun-disk and Wadjet Eye. This study attempts to evaluate and explore the extent of the influence of ancient Egyptian symbols and iconography on modern culture as a whole. This is achieved through emic analysis and comparative studies, comparing the context of the original ancient Egyptian symbols (in terms of their symbolic form, origins and meanings/usage) to the modern usage of the same symbols. A comparison between the contexts and usage of these three symbols in ancient Egypt and modern society shows that they are part of a wider trend of “romanticising” ancient cultures to “enchant” our modern culture. / Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies / M.A. (Ancient Near Eastern Studies)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/23328
Date02 1900
CreatorsCoetzee, Derick
ContributorsVermaak, Petrus Stefanus, 1956-
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (xii, 153 leaves) ; illustrations, photographs (mostly color)

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