The Peacock in Coptic Funerary Art: Origin, Significance and Symbolism

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Tourist Guidance, Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels, King Marriott- Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

The Peacock was widely depicted in Coptic art, because it symbolizes immortality, resurrection and the glorified soul. This symbolism may be due to the legendary story which says that the flesh of the peacock does not decay. The study examines the depiction of the peacock in Coptic funerary art in terms of its origin, the symbolic meaning and general characteristics of the peacock in ancient civilizations. Peacock in ancient mythology, and how it was transmitted to Coptic art have been also discussed in the study. Emphasis has been placed on the depiction of the peacock in Coptic funerary art, such as Coptic sarcophagi, and Coptic funerary stelae preserved in various museums around the world.
The descriptive analytical method has been implemented in this study aiming to reach to the significance, importance and the symbolism of the peacock in Coptic funerary art. Based on the analysis of some Coptic funerary pieces preserved in various museums, the study resulted to the different forms, meanings and symbolism of the peacock in Coptic funerary art. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a new resource of the depiction of the peacock in Coptic art, and to give clear explanations of some funerary Coptic pieces depicting this bird that displayed in various museums.

Keywords

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Main Subjects

International Journal of Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality
Volume 17, Issue 2
December 2023
Pages 26-47

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