Post 6: Symbolism of Pharaoh Head Medallion

    I often wear a Pharaoh Head Medallion. The pharaoh symbolizes many things, and has a deep rich history behind it. The first thing that people think of when hearing the word pharaoh is Egypt. Egypt is famously known for the Great Pyramids.  It mainly symbolizes the concept of eternal life. It also symbolizes royal protection and great warriors. Supreme power and unwavering leadership is another form of symbolism from the pharaoh. To fully understand the symbolism, one must understand Egypt and its history. "The Pharaoh in ancient Egypt was the political and religious leader of the people and held the titles 'Lord of the Two Lands' and 'High Priest of Every Temple.' The word 'pharaoh' is the Greek form of the Egyptian pero or per-a-a" (https://www.worldhistory.org/pharaoh/). Even though most Pharaohs were men, Hatshepsut and Cleopatra were two well-known female pharaohs. "After their deaths, many pharaohs were entombed and surrounded by riches they were meant to use in the afterlife" (https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/pharaohs/). The most famous pharaoh is King Tutankhamun "King Tut."

    Unfortunately, the pharaoh's power came to an end. "Egypt experienced a civil war and remained split between two regions. This left it vulnerable to further invasions and control from the Assyrians in 671 BCE, the Persians in 525 BCE and finally the Greeks in 332 BCE" (https://www.studentsofhistory.com/the-decline-of-egypt). With these changes, the pharaohs lost their power and everything it symbolizes. After the Greeks took over Egypt, the citizens became more Arabic and less African. We can see today that most Egyptians are Arabic and not the original African race. The symbol in culture for the pharaoh has not changed for me. Their history and culture is so powerful that their failure doesn't outnumber their great accomplishments. The Pharaoh Head Medallion is of the most famous pharaoh King Tut. King Tut ruled Egypt at the age of 9 and died at age 19. I wear the Pharaoh Head Medallion because of its deep African roots. Personally, I don't believe in their religion, but I like how much power they had over Egypt and all of Africa. It also symbolizes how they were the first to use written language, using Hieroglyphs. When I wear this medallion, I feel like I am one of the ancient pharaohs of Egypt.