Understanding the ancient Egyptians : an examination of living creature hieroglyphs

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:In this thesis an exploration is made into whether or not hieroglyphs reflect ideas ofthe ancient Egyptians themselves. By examining living creature hieroglyphs onemay contemplate why the ancient Egyptian chose a particular manner of depiction.The manner of depiction can then be examined insofar as what ideas they mayreflect. In this way study into other groups of signs such as those of theenvironment may be used to further illuminate the lives and our understanding ofthe ancient Egyptian(s).This thesis begins with an examination of both the problem inherent in sucha task and an overview of some of the processes involved. By understanding that areconstructed reality, that of the hieroglyph, reflects both real and perceivedcharacteristics represented in glyphic form, one may seek out the mentalimpressions considered relevant to the people themselves.Next the role literacy played and still plays is discussed. This discussionincludes a brief historical overview of both the history of decipherment and thelanguage of the ancient Egyptians. The importance of writing, artistic in naturein Egypt in regards to hieroglyphs, is then discussed as it relates to its use as symbol.Hieroglyphs are then discussed in their role as art, communication, and languageemphasizing the multitudinous role(s) which they served. The importance is thusreiterated that hieroglyphs served as a communication of ideas to both the literateand the illiterate in at least a menial manner.After providing a background context of both the world and time ofhieroglyphs and their subsequent understanding and interpretation, there is ananalysis of the hieroglyphs for living creatures including the following Gardinergroupings: (1) mammals, (2) birds, (3) amphibians and reptiles, (4) fish, (5)invertebrates and lesser animals. The signs are examined in regards to theirfunction and variations followed by some observations and comments related to thestructure and perspective of the sign itself. Summary observations and commentsare then made about each group.The thesis is then brought full circle by examining the implications of whathieroglyphs can tell us about the ancient Egyptians, via the perceptive andcommunicative role which they played. By understanding hieroglyphs asfingerprints of/from the mind of the people and subsequently their culture, thisframework may provide a new mechanism into understanding the Egyptian viatheir own visualization and perceptive nature. A case is then proposed that this newmechanism, if it is indeed considered feasible, can be applied to not only the physical world consisting of nature such as the environment, but also to groupswhich depict manmade objects.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University