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''There is one rather unglamorous theory about the origin of the ankh symbol: it is quite possible that it has evolved from the hieroglyph for 'sandal'. The loop is the sole and the three line extruding from it are the leather thongs used to tie the sandal to the foot. Needless to say, this theory tends to irritate goths and anyone who sees it as a symbol for life, balance or the union of man and woman. It does seem to carry some academic merit though.''
The Ankh, as far as I recall was always explained to me as the 'symbol of life', or the key of life. A friend sent me the above explanation. I wonder what is the origin of the Ankh, its importance in Ancient Egypt, and does it have anything to do with a CROSS associated to a Christian sect?
Information appreciated.Thanks
Mystery Solver Member # 9033
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I've come across thesis that suggests that the symbol ultimately derived from imagery of sun; sketchy at best.
Djehuti Member # 6698
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There are a number of theories as to the origin of the ankh symbol, but whatever it truly was there seems to be little doubt that the Egyptians did acknowledge it a a sacred and spiritual symbol from all the depictions of it they left us with.
Almaz. Member # 14025
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Thank you for answering! I am still wishing for more information.
Djehuti Member # 6698
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^ Like what? No one really knows where the symbol originated or is based on. Wallis Budge suggests the symbol might come from a belt the goddess Aset (Isis) wore. Howard Carter even suggested the symbol to be an amalgamation of male and female genitals with the loop being the vulva and the cross the penis and testicles!
Agluza Member # 14023
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Yo!
'T'Alhakimt' and 'Tanaghilt,' Some North African Finger-Rings, Illustrating the Connexion of the Tuareg with the 'Ankh' of Ancient Egypt A. J. Arkell Man, Vol. 39, Dec., 1939 (Dec., 1939), pp. 185-187 doi:10.2307/2791603 This article consists of 4 page(s).
The paper is available on J-Stor.
Agluza Member # 14023
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See also:
quote:Originally posted by Please call me MIDOGBE: Senegalese Egyptologist Aboubacry Moussa LAM pointed out the resemblances between the Egyptian & Senegambian shoes from different standpoints:
-The Pulaar name of the shoe teppite (from teppere "sole of the foot" ) resembles the AEgyptian one tjbwty (from tjbw "sole of the foot");
-Many Egyptologists think the buckle of the Egyptian shoe represents the ankh symbol and in various West-Atlantic languages, it is known as the "life of the shoe";
-The design of the Senegambian shoe sometimes reminds a stylization of the ankh symbol itself.
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Thanks to all. I will be able to include some of the above information with a gift I am offering, to a newly wed special friend, who is fascinated by the Ankh.
ausar Member # 1797
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From what I read some Egyptologist like Yurco suggested the ankh might also come from a fertility doll. Most sources still contend the symbol means life. BTW, does anybody know a company that sells quality ankh necklaces? Looking for a fairly resonably priced source.
Agluza Member # 14023
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Could you please elaborate on it ausar? Do these functions attributed to the symbol by YURCO are somehow similar to the Akan Akwaaba symbol?
Wally Member # 2936
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quote:Originally posted by Almaz.: ''There is one rather unglamorous theory about the origin of the ankh symbol: it is quite possible that it has evolved from the hieroglyph for 'sandal'. The loop is the sole and the three line extruding from it are the leather thongs used to tie the sandal to the foot. Needless to say, this theory tends to irritate goths and anyone who sees it as a symbol for life, balance or the union of man and woman. It does seem to carry some academic merit though.''
The Ankh, as far as I recall was always explained to me as the 'symbol of life', or the key of life. A friend sent me the above explanation. I wonder what is the origin of the Ankh, its importance in Ancient Egypt, and does it have anything to do with a CROSS associated to a Christian sect?
Information appreciated.Thanks
Your question, whether deliberate or not, is specious (plausible but false); you may well have asked what all the other hieroglyphic symbols origins were. Why, for example, is the glyph for 'house' the symbol of a rectangle with an opening at the bottom (per)? We are discussing a real life history here, not dragons nor 'walking on water' mythology; real HUMAN history.
But, I think that your question is based upon a legitimate need for an answer, so I'll answer your question with a question! Do you see any correlation between the following symbols?
Ankh, Life, procreation, fertility, ...
Male/Female sex symbols
'Ankh' (Onkh) symbol means exactly what it is meant to symbolize; copulation (in the common Anglo-Saxon vernacular 'F...ing') which is the basis of human existence, if you don't copulate, there is no birth, and life ceases; it really isn't mysterious, mystical, or obscure...
Almaz. Member # 14025
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Thanks for the fascinating approach. It answered my question.
Here is a Modern Gothic version of an Ankh
Wally Member # 2936
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quote:Originally posted by Almaz.: Thanks for the fascinating approach. It answered my question.
Here is a Modern Gothic version of an Ankh
Glad to help; also we have in Coptic: copulate, engender = nouxb ...which is what this Goth symbol is about to do!!!
Djehuti Member # 6698
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quote:Originally posted by ausar: ...BTW, does anybody know a company that sells quality ankh necklaces? Looking for a fairly resonably priced source.
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