The religion was not a monolithic institution, it consisted of a wide variety of different beliefs and practices, all linked by the common emphasis on the interaction between the Egyptian people and the divine realm, because the gods of this realm bound the Egyptian understanding of the world. As ancient Egyptian religion was an integral part of ancient Egyptian society. Polytheism, the belief in multiple deities usually grouped into a pantheon of gods and goddesses with their own mythologies and rituals, was an essential aspect of ancient Egyptian religion. As ancient Egyptian religion included a vast and diverse pantheon of gods and goddesses, and around these deities arose a rich mythology that helped explain the world. As these deities of Egyptian cosmology played specific roles within Egyptian society, and it was their representation through works of art that communicated particular symbols and meanings within this ancient society, it should be noted that depictions of the gods in art were not meant to be literal illustrations of the gods, if they were visible at all. As the gods were considered mysterious, these depictions instead gave recognizable forms to these abstract deities using symbolic images, animals, colors, and clothing to communicate each deity's role within this ancient society. Colors were more expressive in ancient artwork rather than using natural skin tone, different colors represented different roles or symbols within ancient society. As red skin symbolized tanned, healthy youth, while yellow skin was used for middle-aged women and men who worked indoors, blue or gold colors are associated with materials and jewelry precious, and having for skin suggests...... middle of article ......ian-Mythology.htmlhttp://www.ancientegyptianart.org/http://kishen-ancientegypt.blogspot.com/ http://historylink101.net/egypt_1/gods_introduction.htmhttp:/ /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_of_ancient_Egypthttp://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/arthistory/egypt.htmThe Oxford Guide: Essential Guide of Egyptian Mythology", edited by Donald B. Redford, Horus: by Edmund S. Meltzer, p164-168, Berkley, 2003 Wilkinson, Richard H. (2003). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt: Thames & Hudson pp.105.http://www.egyptianmyths.net/horus.htmhttp://www.touregypt.net/godsofegypt/horus.htm “Encyclopedia Mythica from Encyclopedia Mythica Online. 2011].http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04 -04/open-space/28126750_1_jackal-osiris-cemeteries