| Ancient Egyptian temple dance is identified in this investigation. It is identified according to its outer form and inner content. The historical method is the primary method used.; Data from such fields as dance, linguistics, Egyptology, philosophy, archeology, anthropology, art, and religious studies were used to analyze, evaluate and interpret this dance form. Primary data such as literary and hieroglyphic records are available for the most part and easily accessible in university and museum archives. Thus the existence of a wealth of data on ancient Egypt culture made it unnecessary to embark on a trip to Egypt for purposes of this investigation. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics contain vivid representations of movement gesture and meaning. Use of this language system served as an instrument to isolate and analyze images of dance. The hieroglyphic language system discloses that the gestural basis of ancient Egyptian temple dance is rooted in the language.; This ancient Egyptian language system is the blueprint upon which ancient Egyptian architecture, sculpture, furniture, and dance are designed. In this regard, the present investigation goes beyond that which previous research has established in that specific hieroglyphic patterns found in temple dancing are identified and clarified. Use of this hieroglyphic component is an approach that has been slightly tread but serves as a significant key to understand this little recognized dance form.; The time period of ancient Egyptian history covered in this investigation is during the B.C. This designation is most often referenced by specialists in the field of ancient Egyptian studies and is used here for consistency. The historical period spans from the Fifth Dynastic period (c. 2500--2350 B.C.), the Old Kingdom through to (c. 30 B.C.) the Graeco-Roman period. Treatment of data follows a topical arrangement versus a chronological arrangement. The problem of accounting for recurrent patterns expressed in dance images across dynastic periods is the focus.; Results serve to remind the dance community that the term dance has undergone substantial changes over the centuries. The religious community is reminded that America's Judeo-Christian heritage sanctions dance as an acceptable part of worship. Finally, when incorporating ancient Egyptian thematic dance material into works for stage, screen, or educational curricula, artists and teachers are reminded that dance in ancient Egyptian culture was not limited to entertainment purposes. Historical data generated from this investigation may enable those in such fields to consider other functions of dance beyond the obvious. |
