Liminality in the 1960s

Liminality in the 1960s

Some key distinctions to consider when we elevate this topic from social anthropology to Egyptology The threshold is crossed once you enter. In a tomb the soul of the deceased passes through these thresholds into eternity Ancient Egypt thus seems to be a perfect example of the concept of liminality In ancient Egyptian temples or tombs as we will see these moments are clearly defined by architecture. Liminality meaning “threshold” refers to a transitional stage in a process defined by a threshold or boundary. “Liminality” gained significant attention in the 1960s by anthropologist Victor Turner a transitional period affecting individual progress.

 A social approach emphasizing ritual transitions in the architecture of Egyptian temples. The concept of liminality is visible to the naked eye and its most obvious starting point is the temple the “most sacred chamber” the sanctum sancto. As we follow the high priest as he walks through the temple the power of the architectural arrangement the passageway that leads the powerful high priest deeper and deeper through the stone forest and into this temple in the abode of the god djeser-djeseru Classical Egyptian temples are surrounded by undulating mud brick walls.

Representatives of the primitive ocean of the bulge surround delineate and shape the boundaries of open courtyards columned and covered halls and columned passageways with doorways. The midpoint defined by architecture is literally a boundary It is important to remember that other perspectives on the midpoint often focus on the intermediate space that is the area between transitional points. Numerous expressions of the midpoint concepts compelling enough to draw thinkers seeking understanding of social political and cultural shifts or to find connections to their own interests have been constructed between the beginning and the end of existence.