In Episode 105 of "The Deal With Animals," we delve into the fascinating topic of the relationship between animals and humans in ancient Egypt. Dr. Linda Evans, an Egyptologist from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, brings her expertise on ancient Egyptian art and its depiction of animals, providing valuable insights into how these artworks reflect the cultural beliefs and knowledge of the time.
Introduction to Ancient Egyptian Art
Dr. Linda Evans explains that ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses often manifested themselves through animals. For instance, Hathor, the goddess associated with love and nurturing, was represented by a cow, while Horus, the god associated with the sky and kingship, was depicted as a falcon. This belief extended into their art, where these deities were often portrayed with the heads of their associated animals.
By emphasizing the rich cultural significance of animals in ancient Egypt. Dr. Evans notes how the Egyptians used art to reflect their understanding of animal behavior and their interactions with the environment.
Depictions of Animals in Ancient Egyptian Art
Dr. Evans provides a detailed explanation of how animals were depicted in tomb scenes. She mentions that the early period of Egyptian history, particularly during the construction of the pyramids, featured detailed carvings of animals on tomb walls. These carvings included intricate details such as feathers on birds and scales on fish, allowing modern researchers to identify specific species.
Symbolism and Legacy in Tomb Art
The conversation delves into the possible purposes of these tomb scenes. Dr. Evans suggests various theories, including the belief that these images had symbolic meanings or represented resources the deceased could access in the afterlife. They might also serve as a display of the deceased's accomplishments and their role in maintaining harmony and balance in the world.
Art Reflecting Reality
A fascinating aspect of the episode is Dr. Evans' discovery of how the Egyptians captured animal behavior in their art. She shares examples such as the detailed depiction of black kites displaying their open claws and lions suffocating their prey. These depictions indicate a high level of observation and understanding of animal behavior by the ancient Egyptians.
The Influence of Artists
The discussion also touches on the role of artists in ancient Egypt. While most of these artists remain anonymous, some left their mark on the tombs they decorated. This segment raises intriguing questions about the creative freedom and recognition of artists in that era.
Exploring Invertebrates in Ancient Egyptian Art
Dr. Evans shares her ongoing research on invertebrates in ancient Egyptian art, a subject that has received less attention compared to mammals and birds. She discusses her findings on various invertebrates, including lobsters, squid, and spiders, and why certain creatures, like spiders, might be absent from the artwork.
Conclusion: The Deal with Animals
Dr. Evans emphasizes the magical and transformative experience of interacting with animals, both in ancient times and today.
Dr. Evans' research offers a nuanced understanding of the human-animal relationship in ancient Egypt, revealing the profound impact these creatures had on the culture and beliefs of the time.
(This blog post was written with the help of AI and edited for content and accuracy by Marika Bell)
Show Notes:
"Yeah, what is the deal with animals? I think, mulling this over, and what I keep coming back to in my mind is they are magic made manifest." -Linda Evans, PhD
Part 1, Series 12: Animals in Art and Culture Transcript
Guest: Linda Evans is an Associate Professor in Egyptology in the Department of History and Archaeology at Macquarie University, Sydney. She studied Classical Studies and Psychology at
the University of Adelaide in South Australia before working in the field of Biology at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri; Rockefeller University, New York; and the University of California, Davis. After returning to Australia, she completed both an MA and PhD in Egyptology at Macquarie. Drawing on her former career in Biology, her research focuses on the human-animal relationship in the ancient world, especially in the Egyptian context, in which she seeks a more accurate and nuanced understanding of ancient zoological knowledge and its application by prehistoric societies.Her recent publications include descriptions of the animal-rich tomb paintings at the Egyptian cemetery site of Beni Hassan and new insights into the meaning and significance of Egyptian animal imagery, from pelicans and pigs to porcupines! She is currently completing a volume on the invertebrates of ancient Egypt for Lockwood Press.
Book Recommendations: My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson, and The Animal World of the Pharaohs by Patrick F. Houlihan
Chapters:
00:00 Ep. 105 What can Animals Tell us about Ancient Egypt? with PhD, Linda Evans (S12)
02:19 Introduction to Linda Evans and Ancient Egyptian Art
03:32 Exploring Ancient Egyptian Tomb Art
05:09 Animal Depictions and Their Significance
23:34 Linda's Discovery
34:40 The Role of Artists in Ancient Egypt
36:38 Exploring Invertebrates in Ancient Egyptian Art
40:06 Animals in Ancient Egyptian Culture and Personal Reflections
51:04 Last Three Questions
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