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[vi] Art-forms in ancient Egypt were primarily developed for religious purposes, and then extended for secular use. Architectural innovations were devised for tomb and temple architecture (see Mansion of the gods; Mansion of the ka; Pyramids); relief sculpture and wall-painting were developed for religious decoration; and craftsmen employed in the minor arts and jewellery-making supplied items for Funerary practices. Although often exquisitely executed, the prime function of all religious art-forms was to provide models and representations of animate or inanimate objects which could be magically activated.Various symbols achieved widespread popularity and magical significance in Egypt (see figure 1); these included the ankh (life), djed (stability), and was (dominion) signs; the scarab or dung-beetle (renewal of life); and the wedjat-eye (spiritual and physical wholeness). Amulets in these forms were made for both the living and the dead, to give protection against evil and dominion (see Magic). Symbolism was present in many aspects of religion, including representations of Re’ and Osiris (see Osirian triad) reaffirming their cyclic rebirth (see Afterlife). ... log in or subscribe to read full text