As symbols of strength and power, the Egyptians often carved the legs of their furniture to end in the hoofs of oxen, the pawns of lions, or the talons of hawks. Inlays and carvings were used a great deal, and the designs were patterns of leaves and flowers such as those of lotus, papyrus, date palm, and honeysuckle. Religious symbols such as the sphinx, the scarab (sacred beetle), the serpent, and the hawk were often used. Color played an important part in all Egyptian decorations, especially red, black, yellow and blue.