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The Predynastic Period, spanning from the Paleolithic to Neolithic, presents rich archeological evidence indicating the development of early societies. During this time, cultures developed pottery, and daily use objects both depicting life, respect for the natural world, and set the foundation for the Egyptian civilization in the Nile River Valley. The period ends with the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt.
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Lugged jar depicting two boats is an example of the ceramic artistry developed in the Predynastic Period. The boat on the Nile symbolizes the source of life and abundance, survival, and prosperity. -
The ware bowl is an example of pottery and the artistic motif of the Nile, with the crocodile and the hippo, and the man navigating it. Although it might serve for household purposes such as food, its cultural value reflects the significance of life and danger within the river. -
The Old Kingdom, known as the Age of the Pyramids, was the period of architectural and artistic innovations. The role of a central government marked by unprecedented efficiency for the construction of the pyramids. The period sophistications in architecture, reflects the symbolism of life and death, the divine order. It also marked the foundation for the years to come translated as stability and order.
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The Great Pyramids Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure are the monumental proof of Egyptian architectural development. Their cultural significance for the Egyptians served as home of their kings, the beliefs of they could have their luxury on the afterlife. -
The Middle Kingdom is the reestablishment of royal power, after a period of instability. The artistic representation of the period shows a more naturalistic feature distinct from the Old Kingdom. Although it is a period of reconstruction and the symbol of the heaviness of the crown it has innovations in architecture, steles. Also, the period reflects a change in religious beliefs and practices.
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Made of red quartzite the face Senwosret III is the example of the turn from the Old Kingdom period. His face shows a more reserved expression, almost like tiredness. It symbolizes that after a period of instability in Egypt the artist wanted to depict that kings are fragile beings. -
The New Kingdom, which lasted five centuries, is the most famous period due to its impressive monuments. Egypt became a great empire, expanding its wealth, trade, military, and territory to the Mediterranean. The Eighteen Dynasty, the first to call themselves Pharaohs, ruled. Hatshepsut, a female ruler, was an anomaly. Thutmose III expanded Egypt's territory. Amenhotep, known as Akhenaten, led a revolutionary period called the Amarna. Tutankhumun's intact tomb gave Egypt worldwide recognition.
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The Amarna period, almost lost in time, took a great revolution in Egyptian history, hence in art. Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, blessed by Aten, were depicted with elongated features; the artist wanted to reflect a more realistic scene. Most of the art has been found in today Tell el-Amarna. The religious significance portrayed of the royal family as the intermediaries of the one God Aten transformed Egyptian culture. -
Tutankhamen’s golden mask, embedded with precious stones, is the re-establishment of the previous art representation after the Amarna period. It is the master craftsmanship of ancient times. The funerary mask’s significance for ancient Egyptians was necessary for spiritual reason. For our days, its significance is when found intact: invaluable historic insights of a culture and the curiosity to know more about the past of one great civilization.