Unveiling The Hidden World: Bread Offerings In Sacred Art And Their Significance In Old Kingdom

Elsaban, Sharif Mohamed Saied; Abd Elrazek, Gamal; Anas, Mostafa Ali

Unveiling The Hidden World: Bread Offerings In Sacred Art And Their Significance In Old Kingdom

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Faculty Of Tourism and Hotels, Minia University, Egypt

² Faculty Of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

In the enigmatic realm of Old Kingdom Egypt, where death was not an ending but a transformative journey, bread offerings played a crucial role in both artistic expression and ritualistic practice. This paper explores the captivating symbolism and ritualistic function of bread depicted in the sacred art of tombs and temples, offering a glimpse into the hidden world of the ancient Egyptians' beliefs and aspirations, The scenes capture the solemn act of offering, revealing the roles of priests and the symbolic significance of specific breads. The size and placement of offerings reflect the deceased's status and desire to maintain earthly order even in death. The presence of specific breads associated with deities hints at the Egyptians' стрем (desire) to secure celestial protection and favor. By analyzing these hidden narratives, The Egyptians' complex ceremonial customs, everlasting стрeм (desire for immortality), and fears and ambitions around death become clearer to us. This study serves as an invitation to embark on a journey beyond the visible, deciphering the whispers of bread offerings and unlocking the secrets they hold about ancient Egyptian beliefs and the human стрем (desire) for transcendence. The researcher wants to comprehend the enduring and widespread practice of presenting bread depicted under the offering table as an act of worship more fully by looking at the cultural background, methods, key findings, and significance of this research.

Keywords