Arms-in-embrace (hieroglyph)

The ancient Egyptian Arms-in-embrace hieroglyph, Gardiner sign listed no. D32 is a portrayal of the embracing human arms. The hieroglyph is in the large Gardiner sign list category of Parts of the Human Body.

Arms-in-Embrace in hieroglyphs

Ring honoring Khufu, (Cheops), Ptolemaic Period.

Multiple types of additional hieroglyphs are inserted between the arms, forming Gardiner unlisted varieties.

Usage

The Egyptian language arms-in-embrace hieroglyph has multiple uses. It is a determinative for 'hugging', inq, "to surround", and ḥpt, "to hug".

As an ideogram it has two meanings for s(kh)n. Both uses are verb uses. 'Sekhen-1', with multiple spellings, and various secondary determinatives, (sḫn),^[1] meaning: to fold in the arms, to embrace, to contain, to hold. The second meaning, (sḫn), spellings of, is used to mean: to happen, a happening, event, occurrence. (verb or noun).

Rosetta Stone, Egyptian hieroglyph section text

In the 196 BC Rosetta Stone, a "(May there be): Good Forture"-(i.e. "Good Luck") phrase is a segue to the 8 listed rewards given to the honoring of Ptolemy V, one, by erecting his Decree of Memphis (Ptolemy V) in the temple courtyard. The phrase is three-part: ḥ'–s(kh)n–nfr, "And a happening good ! – [may there be].^[2]

Preceded by Sistrum -- -- s(kh)m

arms-in-embrace -- -- s(kh)n

Succeeded by support -- -- s(kh)n-t

Gallery

• 
  Slab stela, multiple use of the "arms-in-embrace" for supplying provisions for the Afterlife
• 
  Statuary use of the hieroglyph

See also

• Gardiner's Sign List#O. Parts of the Human Body
• List of Egyptian hieroglyphs