Canaanite Creation Myth

Creation Rock Art in Israel. Canaanite creation rock art Israel

Canaanite Creation from Cosmic Egg

Deciphering rock art from Israel, israelrockart.com.

Cosmic Egg rock art describes the creation of the universe through the imagery of an egg. It is believed that the universe was born out of an egg-shaped container that held all the elements necessary for creation. The egg is often seen as a symbol of fertility, growth, and renewal, and the myth represents the cyclical nature of life and death. The Cosmic Egg myth was particularly prominent in the ancient cultures of Egypt and Canaan.

The unique rock art described in this article depicts the stages of creation as outlined in the Canaanite Creation myth. The rock art scene provides visual evidence of the myth and is further supported by a documented creation text. The symbols engraved into the rock art represent faithfully the stages of creation as described by Syrian philosopher Dameskios, drawing on the works of Mochus, a Phoenician proto-philosopher from the 13th century BC.

“First was the upper air and lower air, these two were the first and from them, God World (Olamos) was created, he was the limit of reason. Saying which, from the merger itself, created Kushar, the God of Wisdom, and then created the egg. Kushar has the opening power given to understanding, he creates the initial separation in nature which is completely inseparable. After the formation of top and bottom air incurred at one end and two spirits created mid, the wind of west and south, and there are who consider these winds previous to God of the World. Kushar is the first step that can be understood and the egg is considered heaven because they say that when it was divided into two halves it created heaven and earth. “

Rock Art Clues 

Understanding the meaning behind rock art can be a complex and challenging task. The symbols engraved into the rock may seem unrelated, making it difficult to determine the intended message. However, there are certain clues that can help decipher the meaning of rock art.

One important symbol to consider is the circle. Depending on its size and position, the circle can represent either the sun or an egg. Another symbol to consider is the Egyptian milk tree, which depicts God feeding his hands. By analyzing these symbols, it is possible to piece together the steps of the Canaanite Creation myth, as shown in Fig. 1.

Deciphering the rock art 

In Fig.1, a rock art scene represents the stages of creation in accordance with the Canaanite myth. The image features five distinct symbols that depict the sequence of events as described in the related text, as follows:

  1. First was the upper air and lower air
  2. from them, the God World (Olamos) created
  3. the merger itself, created Kushar, the God of Wisdom
  4. and the egg is considered a heaven
  5. it divided into two halves it created the heaven and earth
creation rock art. Canaanite cosmic egg negev desert rock art
Fig. 1 Canaanite Cosmic Egg myth, Negev Desert     Fig. 2 Egyptian Milk Tree

The Canaanite Creation myth describes the origin of the universe through a series of symbolic images etched into rock art. The first symbol (symbol 1) depicts the division of the air into upper and lower realms, represented by a wavy line resembling a human figure. This division sets the stage for the rest of the creation story.

Next, the god Olamos is portrayed with only his hands (symbol 2), inspired by the Egyptian Milk Tree. Olamos creates Kushar (symbol 3), the wise craftsman deity responsible for creating the egg (symbol 4). The small circle beneath Kushar represents the egg, which contains all the necessary elements for creation.

From the egg, the heavens and earth were created, as depicted by (symbol 5). The large circle represents the sun, while the camel’s hump represents the sky. The camel’s body represents the earth, while the dog symbolizes the underworld.

Conclusion

The Cosmic Egg Creation myth was a widely-held belief thousands of years ago in Egypt and Canaan. The creation story found in the Negev Desert rock art and the associated symbols engraved were deciphered through careful analysis and comparison with documented creation texts. The rock art scene shows five distinct symbols, representing the sequence of events in the creation myth, including the division of air into upper and lower realms, the creation of the god Olamos and Kushar, the God of Wisdom, the creation of the egg and the birth of the heavens and the earth.

More deciphering, in a new book Rock Art in Israel, available online.

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5 Comments to Canaanite Creation Myth

  1. מרתק! !!!
    האם הספר בעברית גם אינטרנטי? או רק באנגלית? מבקשת לרכוש וגם לראות ולהתבונן בחומרים נוספים של אומנות הסלע בתודה

    • Yes, a bit unknown! Here is a citation from “Ancient Jewish History”
      “.. became the Vulcan of the Greeks and Romans, the god of the smiths. In Canaan his name was Kauthar,-Koshar,-Kushar, the wise craftsman, the inventor of tools and weapons, as well of the arts. He was the discoverer and the patron of music.”

    • Yes, a bit unknown! Here is a citation from “Ancient Jewish History”
      “.. became the Vulcan of the Greeks and Romans, the god of the smiths. In Canaan, his name was Kauthar,-Koshar,-Kushar, the wise craftsman, the inventor of tools and weapons, as well of the arts. He was the discoverer and the patron of music.”

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