Lapwing
rekhyt |
Vanellus vanellus appears in Egyptian art from the
earliest times apparently representing the captured peoples of Lower
Egypt. The wings were often shown crossed and therefore useless in
flight to indicate submission. Later, however, the lapwing was used as a
symbol of praise and represented all the people of Egypt. |
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Lion
mai, ru |
Two symbols were used , mai meaning standing lion,
as shown here, and ru meaning recumbent. The lion was a
protective sentinel or solar animal depending on the context. |
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Loaf &
Offering Mat
hetep |
The hetep shows a loaf of bread or te
placed on a small mat of woven reeds. The sign was used to represent
words such as "offering" and "altar". |
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Lotus
seshen |
This is the sacred blue lotus or water lily, Nymphaea
cerulea. The natural habit of the water lily, closing at night to
sink underwater and rising to open again at dawn means that it is used
as a symbol of the sun and creation. |
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Lower Egyptian
Shrine
Per-nu |
This differs from the Upper Egyptian version by its domed
roof and high side posts. It is also shown in front elevation whereas
the Upper Shrine is shown in profile. Many coffins and sarcophagi were
constructed in the shape of the Per-nu and in particular the design was
used to house the small "answerer" figures intended to do any
work that the deceased might be required to do in the afterlife. |
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