The Symbolism of Mud in Ancient Egypt

Abstract

Egypt was an agricultural society, soil and fertility were the secrets of the ancient Egyptian's life, so mud was a highly important role in ancient Egypt. Mud was the symbol of origin and fertility, and it was the cause of life. Mud connected with the creation and existence of the human being in ancient Egyptian thought, the ancient Egyptian realized that his earlier creation was from nature, and he considered himself as the son of the earth. The real importance of mud cleared in Egypt since prehistoric times, its world, religious, and funerary role was highlighted by the time, the ancient Egyptian used mud to set up worldly buildings and making pottery. Mud also had a curative property, it used as prescriptions of some injuries or splinting fractures as natural bandages. Its funerary role is shown in the burial customs in several tombs during the pre-dynastic period, Mud was sometimes poured into the tombs after burial as a desire for resurrection in the other world or a form of maintaining the body and the funerary offerings. Furthermore, it was occasionally used in mummification. Mud had very important magic and religious role in ancient Egypt, it was used in making vow offerings and funerary goods such as clay hairballs, clay trays, votive statues, soul houses, and clay face masks. So, it is important to highlight mud and its uses to show its worldly importance, as well as its religious and funerary significance to clear the purpose of using it in ancient Egypt.