Cartouche

Definition

A cartouche is an oval or elongated shape that encloses a royal name or title in Ancient Egyptian art and hieroglyphs. This symbol served to protect the name of the individual it contained, often associated with the divine and royal status of pharaohs. The cartouche not only identifies the person but also emphasizes their significance in society, as it was typically reserved for those of high rank, particularly kings and queens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cartouche is typically depicted as an elongated oval with a horizontal line at one end that signifies it is enclosing a name.
2. It is often found in royal tombs and inscriptions, symbolizing the protection of the name from evil spirits in the afterlife.
3. Cartouches can contain the names of not only pharaohs but also queens and other royal figures, indicating their importance within the dynastic lineage.
4. In many cases, the names inside cartouches were written in hieroglyphics, emphasizing the connection between writing and divine authority.
5. The use of cartouches dates back to the early dynastic period of Egypt, becoming a standard element in royal iconography by the New Kingdom.

Review Questions

• How does a cartouche signify the importance of a royal figure in Ancient Egypt?
  • A cartouche signifies the importance of a royal figure by encasing their name in a protective symbol, indicating their divine status and authority. The use of this particular shape was reserved for those of high rank, such as pharaohs and queens. By including their names within a cartouche, it not only highlights their identity but also serves to safeguard them in the afterlife from evil forces.
• Discuss the role of hieroglyphics in relation to cartouches in Ancient Egyptian art.
  • Hieroglyphics play a crucial role in relation to cartouches as they are often used to inscribe the names of pharaohs and other significant figures within these oval shapes. This combination serves to connect the written language with notions of power and divinity. The hieroglyphic script enhances the cartouche's significance by elevating the name it contains, linking it to themes of eternity and protection in both life and death.
• Evaluate the impact of symbolism in Ancient Egyptian culture through the use of cartouches.
  • The impact of symbolism in Ancient Egyptian culture through cartouches is profound, as they encapsulate concepts of identity, authority, and protection within their design. Cartouches are not merely decorative; they convey messages about the sacredness of a ruler's name and their connection to the divine. By analyzing how cartouches were employed across various contexts—from temple inscriptions to tombs—one can understand how deeply ingrained these symbols were in maintaining social order and cultural beliefs surrounding kingship and afterlife.

Related terms

hieroglyphics: The writing system used in ancient Egypt that employed symbols and pictures to represent sounds and ideas, often found on monuments and in religious texts.

pharaoh: The title given to the ancient Egyptian kings, who were considered both political leaders and divine figures, responsible for maintaining order and harmony in society.

symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, prevalent in Ancient Egyptian art where elements like the cartouche conveyed deeper meanings about identity, power, and the afterlife.