Egypt is one of the first civilizations to classify the elements of art. Egypt is also known for it's great architectural designs with the pyramids and their monumental tombs. Egyptians practiced the art of tattoo. This was discovered by researchers who found patterns on the skin of mummified bodies. These patterns consist of dots and dashes and were mostly found on females and are believed to have been for body decoration, social classification, and religious purposes.
Although these types of patterns are not commonly used today, Egyptian Hieroglyphics and symbols are becoming popular as tattoo designs. Lets discuss some Egyptian symbols that are popular today.
Eye of Horus
One of the popular Egyptian symbols that is used for tattoo designs is the "Eye of Horus", which represented life and good luck in ancient times. It is also known as the "Eye of Ra", and was believed to be as the all-seeing eye that was also used in amulets by ancient Egyptians.
Bastet
Bastet is a goddess usually represented as a woman with the head of a cat, but later portrayed as a lioness. She protected Ra from his enemies and became known as the Lady of the East and the Goddess of the Rising Sun. Today, it is widely known as the "cat goddess".
Phoenix
The Phoenix is a mythical fire-bird in Egyptian mythology. It is a universal symbol of the sun, mystical rebirth, resurrection and immortality, this legendary red "fire bird" was believed to die in its self-made flames periodically then rise again out of its own ashes.
Ankh
The Ankh is an Egyptian hieroglyphic character that means "eternal life" or the "key of life". This symbol is frequently seen on Egyptian tomb painting and on other art. They were also carried by Egyptians as an amulet alone or in connection with other hieroglyphs that mean strength and health.
There are still many Egyptian symbols that are popular in making tattoo designs such as the serket, Isis, Osiris, Amun, Pyramids, and etc. If you're planning to have a tattoo, an Egyptian symbol is one of the designs that you could consider, but be sure to research for their meanings first.
