Ankh in ancient Kemet
In ancient Kemet, the Ankh (cross of Life or Key of life) means Life manifested.
The Ankh jewel which has the shape of a cross topped by an oval symbolizes manifested life. Many Neteru wear it.
The Egyptian cross, also called "ankh" is also a symbol of the ancient spirituality of Egypt. The Ankh, which is essentially a cross with a circle, also commonly called the "cross of life" or "key of life", is a special symbol that can be dated to the early dynastic period, ranging from 3150 to 2613 BC . The Egyptians believed that their stay on earth was only a part of a larger eternal life, as the ankh symbolizes both the afterlife and a mortal existence on earth.
Some interpret this symbol according to its two parts: the oval shape symbolizes the eternity of the living deities, and the cross that emerges from it is a symbol of continuation and extension. In Egyptian hieroglyphics since the Old Kingdom, the ankh symbolized life, but not the normal, ordinary life we think of. The ancient Egyptians associated the ankh with our daily life. But the ankh is also subject to other interpretations, notably according to the color. It combines the two forces of life: the male and female symbols of Osiris and Isis. It is the union between heaven and earth, and the unification between the feminine and masculine principle.
You can find a description of all the most important Egyptian neterou on them it was also a symbol of fertility, because the loop of the sign was associated with the womb of a woman. Later, the ankh was given a magical meaning, as it was believed to possess a mystical life force. Mystics and lovers of secret knowledge in the 19th century and even in the 20th century considered the ankh to be a powerful symbol of prosperity, health, good fortune and protection against defeat, fall and total destruction.
There are many representations of Egyptian neteru holding the ankh. Ma'at, the neter of truth, holds an ankh in her hand. However, the neter Isis is most often seen holding it. Also, Atum, the sun neter of Heliopolis and Sekhmet, a warrior neter as well as a healing neter, were often depicted with the ankh.
There are also representations of the pharaoh standing between the neteru and holding the ankh on his palm. In this case, the ankh emphasizes the spiritual nature of the pharaoh.
"The ancestors of the Blacks, who today live mainly in Black Africa, were the first to invent mathematics, astronomy, the calendar, sciences in general, arts, religion, agriculture, social organisation, medicine, writing, technique, architecture" Cheikh Anta Diop
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