The Early Dynastic origin of the water-lily motif

The association of the water-lily with architecture and art is one of the most familiar visual aspects of the ancient Egyptian culture. However, the earliest representations of the water-lily date only to the Naqada III period. The finds of that period are discussed using the available archaeological and environmental data. An interdisciplinary approach allows the interpretation of the symbolic meaning of the plant within the cultural context of daily life and the ancient Egyptian landscape. Small stone and faience cosmetic vessels in the shape of the water-lily flower refer to its odorous qualities and by extension to beauty. The faience vessels were found in temple deposits, illustrating the symbolic importance of the flower. Rattles in the shape of water-lily buds extend the idea of beauty to that of music. The association with cosmetics and music point to the more pleasant side of elite life, which must have been the reason for the integration of the water-lily into Early Dynastic iconography. The sudden appearance of water-lily representations is to be seen as part of the development of the Dynastic visual language.