Ancient Egyptian Murals Show Lifelike Doves, Kingfishers, and Other Birds

The ancient Egyptians were clearly fascinated with birds, as evidenced by the large number of lifelike and detailed murals that have been discovered in ancient tombs and buildings. These murals depict a wide range of birds, including doves, kingfishers, and other species. As these murals show, birds were an integral part of ancient Egyptian life and culture.

One of the most common motifs in ancient Egyptian art is the dove. Doves were associated with the goddess Isis and often used as a symbol of peace, prosperity and fertility. They were also thought to be a symbol of resurrection and rebirth. As a result, doves were often shown in tombs, as a representation of the soul’s path to the afterlife.

Kingfishers were also featured prominently in Egyptian art. Kingfishers were thought to be associated with the sun god Ra and were believed to represent joy and resurrection. As a result, they were often shown flying in the presence of the sun. In one tomb, a painting of kingfishers was found depicting them surrounding Ra as he rises from the horizon each morning.

In addition to doves and kingfishers, other types of birds were featured in ancient Egyptian murals. Geese, quail, ibis, and other waterfowl were seen in various tombs and paintings. Ducks were thought to be a symbol of fertility and their presence in royal tombs suggests they were associated with the rebirth of the deceased into the afterlife. Hawks were also present in the ancient world and were thought to be a symbol of strength and might.

The ancient Egyptians also depicted birds in sculptures and other forms of art. Statues of birds were often created in place of the deceased in order to provide a representation of the deceased’s soul and its path to the afterlife. Bird symbols were also commonly used on the walls of tombs and buildings as a way of protecting the deceased’s remains.

The beauty and detail of the ancient Egyptian murals featuring birds is truly remarkable. Whether it was doves, kingfishers, ducks, geese, or other species, the Egyptians clearly held birds in high esteem. As these murals demonstrate, birds had a special place in ancient Egyptian life and culture and it is clear they were deeply revered.