Salima Ikram Talks about the Secrets of Animal Cults in Egypt
The way animals were worshipped in Ancient Egypt has long been one of the empire's most vivid features. Cats, crocs and even goldfish got the mummification treatment - and the culture's myriad gods plied their divine trade in the image of some of the region's most iconic creatures. In this exclusive video, the American University at Cairo's Salima Ikram shares the secrets of Egypt's enduring animal adoration.
The divinity of animals was a key part of religious belief in Egypt. Evidence of it appears as far back as the First Dynasty - some feel it started even before then - yet Dr Ikram explains that it really gathered pace and popularity during the 26th Dynasty and beyond, from around 700 BC to 400 AD. Dr Ikram has long been one of the world's foremost authorities on Egyptian religion, and has published books such as Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt and the Non-Human Mummies Catalogue. In the video, she explains how Egyptians believed that animals were born as gods' creatures, and that gods would enter their bodies and animate it. The sounds animals made were thought to be the secret language of the gods; thus Egyptians felt they were actually closer to divinity than themselves, and would question animals, through a priest's interpretation, on matters as mundane as inheritance or property.
MOVIE: Salima Ikram Shares the Secrets of Egypt's Animal Cults
"Animals were very special kinds of beings, unlike humans" Salima Ikram
Another intriguing area explored in the video is the gods themselves. Sekhmet, for example, embodied strength, rage and plagues, and took the form of a lionness. Conversely, Dr Ikram explains how the long, tapered bill of the Ibis resembles a pen - hence Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. One of Dr Ikram's favourite gods, however, is Sobek, who takes the form of a crocodile, a creature which can bask in the searing desert heat all day, before sloping into the Nile by night. No wonder, then, that he embodies the rising and setting of the sun. This video is a must-see for those interested in the religion of Ancient Egypt, with Dr Ikram's esteemed views accompanied by some spectacular Sandro Vannini photography. You could also take a look at our other exclusive videos, such as legendary archaeologist Zahi Hawass showing some of the latest treasures being unearthed at the Valley of the Kings.
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those once adored and worshiped animals in Egypt probably more abused now a days
On the other hand, the 'animal mummy' industry, must haved needed quite some 'resources' to keep up with demand. I'm pretty convinced Dr. Salima Ikram will tell us more about that next week! ;)
Beast gods actually are not that uncommon in ancient history. Most did not have as noticeable a link to animals, but many religious pantheons of the ancient work had at least one beast-god.
This is also why we have such strong iconic animals, such as lions being considered regal and kings, monkeys being tricksters. and even the more modern one of elephants never forgetting. These 'aspects' are something we take in stride due to the way our ancestors iconified beasts into godlike entities.
I'd like to thank Sean for introducing me to this wonderful new site through his comment on my Spiritkeepers™ Stones blog! I admire Dr. Salima Ikram (adore nearly) and was pleased to see the video presented here. The focus of my blog is the hand painted spiritually inspired stones that I paint, so I often deal with the concept of animals as divine messengers. Animals as totems and spirit guides, even in this modern day, deliver messages through appearance, sounds, and actions that can offer guidance both spiritual and mundane. I think it's important more people understand that such concepts aren't strictly Native American in origin, nor are they new ideas. The ancient Egyptians may have indeed had a deeper understanding of the world.
I'd like to share this guide to Ancient Egypt with you. It covers most of basics about ancient Egypt and even includes educational video documentaries. Hope it can of use to your readers.
I always love Dr. Salima's interviews and documentaries, lectures and talks, as she always speaks about deep concepts in such a familiar way.
This video might be short, but it is one of the best I have ever seen, as the images' shooting is done so perfectly, zooming at the animals, and Dr. Salima's overview of animal cults is so expressive and plain simple.
To the layperson, not an Egyptologist, the recurrent idea of ancient Egyptians as worshippers of animals is false. Don't walk that road. I have heard this so many times in different countries, said by different people ,so I must stress it.
They admired the specific features/ characteristics/attributes an animal has. And then they transposed them to gods. Examples: the strenght of a lion, the reproduction capacity of a frog, the belly of an hippo, the power of a lioness, the sumptuousness of a cat, the accurate vision of a hawk.
This is shown in amulets, statues, myths, hieroglyphics; the exemplar ability of a certain animal turned into a god's gift.
Thank you for a great moment!
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