The Art of Ancient Egypt | Publications for Educators | Explore & Learn

Pose and Gesture

Poses of major figures were usually relatively motionless, limited to standing, walking, sitting, and kneeling. A number of arm and hand gestures were used to explain in greater detail what the figure was doing.

The following are commonly used poses and gestures:

131_100t.GIF (3560 bytes)

worshiping
both arms extended forward with hands upraised

080_50t.GIF (3248 bytes)

presenting, offering
both arms extended forward with an object held in one or both hands

076_100t.GIF (4368 bytes)

ready to receive offerings
seated with one or both arms resting on one's lap, palms down

127_100t.GIF (3536 bytes)

summoning
one arm extended forward with the palm open

077_100t.GIF (2937 bytes)

protecting
both arms extended out to the sides with the palms facing forward

129_100t.GIF (4491 bytes)

rejoicing
both arms extended out to the sides with palms turned away from the body

045_100t.GIF (3548 bytes)

praising
crouched on one knee, one arm raised and the other held against the chest with clenched fist

132_100t.GIF (6607 bytes)

mourning
arms raised with palms turned toward the face

Poses of less important people such as farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, soldiers, and craftsmen were more active.

Pose and Gesture Worksheet

Photograph Credits