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272491

Significances of Regeneration through Upraised Arms Gestures in Cosmic and Funerary Contexts

Article

Last updated: 25 Dec 2024

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Tags

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Abstract

Raising up arms was one of significant gestures known by the Egyptians. One method of expressing regeneration was through lifting up arms. Different elevated arms gestures were employed in regenerative purposes in cosmic and funerary contexts. This research analyzes iconographic evidences demonstrating the revivification function of upraised arms gestures inspired from the archetype kȝ-glyph. Egyptians knew such a regenerative role as early as the Predynastic Period. Meanwhile, they buried in their tombs fertile female figurines with elevated arms indicating the regeneration of their owners. In statuary, kȝ-symboll was elevated above heads to assist in enlivening the dead. Embracing the sun-disc with upraised arms in kȝ form is another remarkable iconographic proof of rebirth conception. Conveying regeneration idea through upraised arms gestures is also emphasized through practicing purification rituals in both royal and private sectors. It is also through supporting the sky on upraised arms of Egyptians kings that state of balancing the opposing forces of heaven and earth is acquired. Moreover, elevating the heavenly water on arms of creator gods gives a direct reference to the continuation of the universe existence. Not only gods and kings but also individuals raising up their arms to indicate their revivification after death.

DOI

10.21608/sis.2022.175565.1108

Keywords

Upraised arms, Gesture, rebirth, Regeneration, hereafter

Authors

First Name

Youmna

Last Name

Nasr

MiddleName

Adel Zaki

Affiliation

Tourist Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Email

youmna.adel@alexu.edu.eg

City

الاسكندرية

Orcid

-

Volume

5

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

38029

Issue Date

2022-12-01

Receive Date

2022-11-18

Publish Date

2022-12-01

Page Start

162

Page End

183

Print ISSN

2682-4329

Online ISSN

2735-3044

Link

https://sjs.journals.ekb.eg/article_272491.html

Detail API

https://sjs.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=272491

Order

272,491

Type

Original Research

Type Code

1,291

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Journal of Tourism, Hotels and Heritage

Publication Link

https://sjs.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Significances of Regeneration through Upraised Arms Gestures in Cosmic and Funerary Contexts

Details

Type

Article

Created At

22 Jan 2023