10/12/10 BR- How were the gods Hapi and Khnemu important to the people of Egypt? Today: Ancient Myths and the Narmer Palette Hand in Read, Stop, and React from Yesterday

Egyptian art and religion relied heavily on the use of symbolism Symbolism: a picture represents more than just what the thing is. What do the symbols on this page “mean?”

Narmer Palette (Daily Notes) From around 3200BC. One of the oldest historical documents in the world First example of early hieroglyphic writing Describes the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt How could this artifact be considered art as well as a historical document?

The name of Narmer is shown in a serekh between the two bovine(cow) heads. - These heads could be bulls (indicating strength) or Hathor. - It is unusual to see the faces from the front.

The glyph indicating the name of Narmer

Narmer strikes down his foe. What is on his head? What does it symbolize? What other images or symbols are present?

A falcon(Narmer) is drawing the life breath from a man (who looks like the larger victim) who has papyrus reeds growing out of him. This image is thought to be the conquest of Upper Egypt over the marshland of Lower Egypt

A scene showing two “conquests” of Narmer with an early hieroglyph indicating the place

- What does this scene remind you of? - Notice Narmer’s name, his new crown (red crown of Lower Egypt) and his victims.

Narmer tames the wild beast that is upper and lower Egypt What can you say about the picture? If you divided it in half would both sides be even? What do you think of this picture and its arrangement might symbolize?

What symbols are present here? And what do they mean?

Exit Slip - 10 Pts Then.. What is symbolism? What story is told by the Narmer Palette? Then.. Check snapgrades.. Hand-back folder Out of Class assignments (Due Tuesday)