Cartouche

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Birth and Throne cartouches of pharaoh Seti I, from KV17 at the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. Neues Museum

Cartouche refers to an oval or oblong figure in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that encloses characters representing royal names. Originating in the Pharaonic period, the use of cartouches was a significant aspect of Egyptian art and culture, symbolizing the divine protection over the pharaoh, whose name it enclosed. The term "cartouche" itself is derived from the French word for "cartridge," due to its resemblance to the gun cartridges that French soldiers carried during the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt. This article explores the historical significance, design, and impact of cartouches in Ancient Egypt.

Historical Significance

The cartouche has its roots in the Old Kingdom of Egypt but became prominently used from the Middle Kingdom (circa 2055-1650 BCE) onwards, especially in the titulary of the Egyptian pharaohs. It was believed that the cartouche, by encircling the king's name, offered protection from evil spirits in life and death, essentially acting as a magical rope that shielded the name from being erased or forgotten.

Design and Symbolism

A cartouche is typically an elongated oval with a horizontal line at one end, signifying that the text enclosed is a royal name. The design symbolizes the universe encircling the pharaoh's name, emphasizing the ruler's power and divine authority. The Egyptians believed that as long as the name was preserved within the cartouche, the king's soul would survive in the afterlife, making it a crucial element in tomb and temple inscriptions.

Usage

Beyond its protective and symbolic functions, the cartouche was used to signify the importance of the pharaoh in both religious and state matters. It was prominently displayed in hieroglyphic inscriptions on monuments, obelisks, and in tombs, where it was carved or painted on walls, sarcophagi, and various artifacts. Cartouches were also used in jewelry, such as rings and amulets, further emphasizing their protective role.

Notable Examples

Some of the most famous examples of cartouches are those of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, whose tomb discovery in 1922 revealed numerous items adorned with his cartouche, and Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, whose cartouches have been found on monuments and coins.

Conclusion

The cartouche remains a symbol of the mystique and grandeur of Ancient Egypt, reflecting the civilization's complex beliefs and the paramount importance of the pharaoh. Its enduring legacy can be seen in the continued fascination with Egyptian hieroglyphs and the preservation of monuments and artifacts that feature this distinctive emblem.

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