Examples of ancient Egyptian art and crafts still exist today. They have survived the ravages of thousands of years and are prime examples of the dedication craftsmen felt for their art. Unfortunately, items crafted from leather, wood and other perishables have been destroyed. However, some of their jewelry, pottery, carpentry and even glass pieces exist today and remind us of their tremendous skill.

  • Jewelry has been found that is made of amethyst, cornelian, lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones.
  • They often used nature symbols in their jewelry such as garlands of flowers and fruits.
  • The ancient technique of Cloisonné was used in jewelry decoration.
  • They were proficient in glass and glazing, for example, the creation of faience tiles.
  • Chairs and other furniture were created using ornamental panels of ivory, ebony, redwood and even gold.
  • Fragments of ornate tapestries have been found in tombs, proving the ancient Egyptians were also adept at weaving, spinning and embroidery.
  • Potters used steatite (soapstone) to carve statues, vases and amulets.

Animals in Ancient Egyptian Art

The ancient Egyptians revered animals. They often represented certain godly attributes. The animals in ancient Egypt were used both for food and as pets; some were even mummified and given decorated funerals.

  • The jackal was used mainly to represent the god of the afterlife, Anubis, the jackal is a common animal seen in ancient Egyptian art.
  • Cats are often seen in paintings. The ancient Egyptians adored cats because cats protected their stores of food from rats, snakes and mice. They were often kept as pets and mummified.
  • Crocodiles were both revered and feared. They were given divine status and were popularly used in statues and temple drawings.
  • Tombs were covered with images of cattle being inspected and even milked. Cattle were a prized possession as the ancient Egyptians used every part of the animal, even their dung, for fuel.
  • The cobra held ancient Egyptians transfixed and fearful. The snake became the protector of the king and is often used to represent the king, known as a uraeus. The cobra is pervasive in tomb art, and the image of a cobra head was also used in amulets.
  • Statues have been found of hippopotami, made from blue Egyptian faience. No longer a threat to modern Egypt, hippopotami often killed those working along the Nile River in ancient times

Facts about Art in Ancient Egypt

  • The earliest work of art dates back 5,000 years ago to the Palette of Narmer. The first king of the first dynasty, the palette is carved in relief and displays Narmer’s victories.
  • Ancient Egyptians started sculpting during the 3rd Dynasty. Unlike paintings, sculptures of people always faced forward.
  • King Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus was decorated by master craftsman and was made from solid gold.
  • Tombs from the 4th Dynasty onwards have vivid wall paintings of everyday life including the plants, birds and animals around them.
  • Most ancient Egyptian art is two dimensional, meaning there is no perspective (line of reference).
  • The colors used for paintings and tapestries were taken from plants and minerals.
  • Scenes were displayed in horizontal rows called registers.
  • The ancient Egyptians didn’t attempt to include shadows or the play of light in their artwork.
  • The Armana Period represented the only time in Egypt’s history when art turned toward a more naturalistic style.