Self-Representation
Introduction
Throughout time, humans have sought ways to graphically represent
themselves. From Egyptian cartouches to medieval coat of arms to
Scottish Tartans, families and individuals have depicted their
names visually. Before the development of written alphabets, people
used symbols to represent their self.
Cartouche
This is an example of a carved Bas Relief of an Egyptian cartouche.
It is a group of heiroglyphics set in a capsule shaped enclosure.
It is used to represent a name such as Cleopatra.
Coat of Arms
A coat of arms is a set of symbols that represent a family, state, or country. Heraldry is the art of composing a family coat of arms. The design is
usually composed inside a shield or crest and includes animals,
patterns, and symbolic colors. As families joined together, they
would combine designs and the shields would be divided by half and then
quarters. The image on the right is Nova Scotia's coat of arms. To find your family's coat of arms click
here
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| Pale |
Fesse |
Escutcheons |
Chequey |
Chevron |
Tartan
A Scottish tartan is an example of a pattern that represents a family
or clan. The colors and way in which the fabric is woven determines
to whom it belongs. The plaid cloth designs have been passed down
generation to generation.
Student Project
Create a personal cartouche made up of symbols that represent who you
are as a person. Just like the Egyptians used a capsule shape, you
too should select your own outer shape. It may be in the shape of a
crest, a geometric shape, or a made-up organic shape. You must find a
symbol that represents some part of you from each of the following:
another culture or time period, a personal reference (something we
don't know), and create an abstract symbol with its own unique meaning.
You must also employ some use of symbolic color and pattern. See examples
below.
