The word "cartouch" may have caused confusion for some, as it is not a commonly used word in modern English. However, its spelling can be easily explained through phonetic transcription: /kɑːrˈtuːʃ/. The first syllable "car" is easy enough, but the second syllable "tou" is pronounced as "too" like in "too much". The last syllable "ch" is pronounced as a "sh" sound, similar to "shush". The word "cartouch" refers to an oval or oblong design in Egyptian hieroglyphics that contains a royal name.
A cartouche, also known as a cartouch, is a decorative element or design typically found in Egyptian art and architecture. It consists of an oval or oblong shape, often featuring a rope-like border, with a horizontal line at the base and an open top. The rectangular space within the cartouche is often inscribed with hieroglyphic or hieratic text, usually containing the name or title of a pharaoh or other important person.
Cartouches were primarily used in ancient Egypt to highlight the names of the ruling monarchs and gods, serving as a royal seal or an emblem of divine protection. The design symbolizes eternity and protection, representing a protective rope tied around the name, which was believed to shield the individual from harm.
Beyond their significance in Egyptian art, cartouches also had a practical purpose in hieroglyphic writing. They functioned as a sort of frame or boundary to separate individual names or important words, emphasizing their importance and preventing them from being confused with surrounding text.
Today, cartouches continue to be a recognizable symbol of ancient Egypt and are often used in modern Egyptian-inspired art and jewelry. They offer a glimpse into the ancient culture and serve as a link to the rich history of the pharaohs and their divine associations.
A cartridge-box; a small wooden case filled with rifle-balls or small cannon-balls for being discharged from a gun; in arch., an ornament representing a scroll of paper.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cartouch" is a derivative of the French word "cartouche". However, the French term itself is derived from the Italian word "cartoccio", meaning "bundle" or "roll of paper". The Italian term was originally used to refer to the twisted paper cartridges used for firearms during the Renaissance. Over time, the meaning of "cartouche" expanded to include any decorative oval or oblong shape resembling the twisted paper cartridges, commonly found in architecture and design. The term was later adopted into English as "cartouch" with the same meaning.