Ancient Egyptian arts and crafts are characterized by their unique style which was different from arts and crafts from other regions of the world at that time. Egyptian arts and crafts took its birth in the lower Nile valley. Archaeological excavations have indicated this. Although religious in nature, the art was also an extension of nature and sometimes native culture.

The quality of art and craft items were based on their simplicity and sophistication. Artists preferred the use of lines to express their art in the right proportions. Flat areas on art items were also used extensively. This was the signature style of ancient Egyptian art and craft. In ancient Egypt, arts and crafts were intended to appease the Pharaoh.

Art in ancient Egypt as a source of religious and cultural propaganda

Art was a very integral part of ancient Egyptians. Ancient Egyptian arts and crafts were found everywhere, from buildings to streets and even tombs. Egyptians used temples as a place of worship. They decorated the walls of temples with murals. Statues were erected at various places. The statues had a distinct quality to them that distinguished them from other types of art.

The Pharaohs ensured that all arts and crafts were consistent and conveyed some religious and social message. This was part of their propaganda to spread a uniform message on religious and social issues across the kingdom.

The Pharaohs themselves had huge statues of them. The Pharaohs were equivalent to God kings. The statues vindicated their stature as supreme protector of their people. Many temples have a surreal art of how Pharaohs displayed their divine powers to quell the attacks of ruthless invaders.

Egyptian Arts and Crafts Techniques

Ancient Egypt arts and crafts were primarily carved out of stone. Paintings were made on the stone. Paintings were also made on walls of temples and tombs. Only specialist painters were used. As suggested by the precision of the paintings found in tombs and temple ruins, ancient Egyptian painters were full-time paid workers for this nature of the job.

An initial design of the sculpture was made on the wall. This was a reference for stone sculpture artists. After the sculpture was finished, the paint artists would begin work. Even then, the process was streamlined indicating how similar things were then when comparing today’s times.

Materials used in art and craft in ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians used granite stone extensively. They had the tools and techniques to carve giant granite columns. For painting purposes, minerals were used. The materials for painting were derived from the desert.

The minerals were finely ground and gelled together with animal or plant glue. The best feature of the paintings was the different shades of whites that were used in addition to reds and yellows. With time, ancient Egyptian arts and crafts evolved with the use of papyrus, wood, and limestone.