What Did They Wear In Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt, a civilization renowned for its majestic monuments, intricate hieroglyphs, and profound religious beliefs, also boasted a unique and sophisticated sense of fashion. Clothing in ancient Egypt wasn't just about covering the body; it was a powerful symbol of status, religious affiliation, and personal identity. The warm climate of the Nile River Valley dictated the use of lightweight fabrics and simple yet elegant designs. Understanding what the ancient Egyptians wore offers a fascinating glimpse into their daily lives, social hierarchy, and cultural values.

Introduction: The Threads of Ancient Egyptian Society

Imagine stepping back in time, to a land ruled by pharaohs and graced by gods. The people you encounter are draped in flowing white linen, adorned with vibrant jewels, and sporting meticulously styled wigs. This is the world of ancient Egyptian fashion, a world far more nuanced and symbolic than one might initially imagine.

Egyptian clothing was intrinsically linked to the environment and social structure. The scorching sun and arid climate favored breathable fabrics like linen, derived from the flax plant. The availability and quality of these materials, along with the ornamentation and style of the garments, clearly distinguished the elite from the commoners. From the simple loincloths of the laborers to the elaborate robes of the royalty, every thread told a story.

The Basics: Materials and Colors

Linen was the primary textile used in ancient Egypt. Flax, the plant from which linen is made, grew abundantly along the Nile and was relatively easy to cultivate. The process of transforming flax into linen was labor-intensive, involving retting (soaking to loosen fibers), breaking, scutching (separating fibers), and spinning. The resulting linen fabric was lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, making it ideal for the hot Egyptian climate.

• Linen Quality: The fineness of the linen varied, with higher-quality linen reserved for the upper classes. Royal linen was exceptionally fine and almost transparent.
• Other Materials: While linen dominated, other materials were used sparingly. Wool, considered impure due to its animal origin, was generally avoided except for cloaks. Animal skins were used by some, particularly soldiers and priests, for specific purposes.
• Color Palette: White was the most common color, representing purity and cleanliness. However, Egyptians also used a variety of other colors derived from natural sources. Red, blue, green, and yellow were popular, often achieved through dyes extracted from plants and minerals. Purple, associated with royalty, was more difficult to produce and therefore more exclusive.
• Symbolic Colors: Colors held symbolic meanings. Blue and green represented life and fertility, red symbolized power and vitality (but also destruction), and yellow was associated with the sun and eternity.

Men's Attire: Simplicity and Functionality

Men's clothing in ancient Egypt was typically simple and functional, designed to provide comfort and ease of movement in the hot climate.

• The Loincloth (Shendyt): The most basic garment for men was the loincloth, known as the shendyt. This simple piece of cloth was wrapped around the waist and tied or pleated at the front. The shendyt was worn by men of all social classes, though the length, material, and ornamentation varied.
• Kilts: Over time, the loincloth evolved into a more elaborate kilt. These kilts were often pleated and could be short or long, depending on the period and the wearer's status. High-ranking officials and pharaohs wore longer, more ornate kilts.
• Tunics: During the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE), tunics became more common. These were simple, sleeveless shirts that reached the knees or calves. Tunics could be worn alone or over a loincloth or kilt.
• Outer Garments: Men sometimes wore cloaks or shawls for warmth or ceremonial purposes. These were typically made of linen, though wool was also used.
• Headwear: Men often shaved their heads for hygiene and wore wigs or headcloths for protection from the sun. The khepesh was a blue war crown, and the nemes headdress was a striped headcloth worn by pharaohs.
• Footwear: Sandals made of leather or woven papyrus were worn for protection, but many men went barefoot, especially laborers.

Women's Attire: Elegance and Grace

Women's clothing in ancient Egypt was characterized by its elegance and grace. Like men's attire, it was designed to be comfortable and practical in the warm climate.

• The Sheath Dress (Kalasyris): The most common garment for women was the sheath dress, known as the kalasyris. This was a simple, form-fitting dress that typically reached the ankles. It was held up by shoulder straps and could be made of fine, almost transparent linen.
• Variations in Style: The kalasyris could be worn plain or adorned with beads, embroidery, or feathers. The length, width, and style of the dress varied depending on the period and the wearer's status.
• Overdresses and Shawls: Women sometimes wore overdresses or shawls over the kalasyris for added warmth or decoration. These could be made of linen or other materials and were often brightly colored or patterned.
• Undergarments: Evidence suggests that women sometimes wore linen undergarments, though these were not commonly depicted in artwork.
• Hairstyles: Women wore their hair long and often adorned it with braids, beads, and flowers. Wigs were also popular, especially among the upper classes.
• Footwear: Like men, women wore sandals or went barefoot.

Royal Attire: Symbols of Power and Divinity

Royal attire in ancient Egypt was designed to set the pharaoh and his family apart from the rest of society. It was laden with symbols of power, divinity, and wealth.

• The Pharaoh's Kilts: Pharaohs wore elaborately pleated kilts made of the finest linen. These kilts were often adorned with gold and precious stones.
• The Royal Headdress: The nemes headdress, a striped headcloth that covered the head and shoulders, was a symbol of royal authority. It was often paired with the uraeus, a cobra emblem representing the goddess Wadjet, and the vulture emblem representing the goddess Nekhbet, symbolizing the pharaoh's protection over Lower and Upper Egypt, respectively.
• Crowns: Pharaohs wore a variety of crowns, each with its own significance. The pschent, a double crown combining the white crown of Upper Egypt and the red crown of Lower Egypt, symbolized the pharaoh's unification of the two lands.
• Jewelry: Pharaohs wore an abundance of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, armlets, and anklets made of gold, silver, and precious stones. These jewels were not only decorative but also served as amulets for protection.
• Sandals: Pharaohs wore sandals made of fine leather or gold. Their sandals were often adorned with images of their enemies, symbolizing their dominance.
• Ceremonial Robes: For important ceremonies, pharaohs wore elaborate robes made of linen and adorned with gold and precious stones. These robes were often decorated with images of gods and goddesses.
• The False Beard: The false beard, a symbol of royal authority and divinity, was worn by both male and female pharaohs. It was typically made of metal or braided hair and attached to the chin.

Children's Clothing: Simplicity and Protection

Children's clothing in ancient Egypt was typically simple and practical. Young children often went naked, especially in the lower classes, due to the warm climate and the practicality of minimal clothing.

• Minimal Garments: When children did wear clothing, it was usually a simple loincloth or skirt for boys and a sheath dress for girls. These garments were made of linen and were often plain and unadorned.
• Amulets: Children were often adorned with amulets for protection against evil spirits and disease. These amulets were made of various materials, including faience, stone, and metal, and were often shaped like gods, goddesses, or animals.
• Hairstyles: Children's hairstyles were often distinctive. Young boys often had their heads shaved except for a sidelock, which was a long braid or lock of hair on the side of the head. This sidelock was associated with the god Horus and was believed to protect the child.
• Jewelry: Children wore jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, for both decoration and protection.

Jewelry and Adornments: Enhancing Beauty and Status

Jewelry played a significant role in ancient Egyptian fashion. It was worn by both men and women of all social classes, though the quality and quantity varied depending on the wearer's status.

• Materials: Jewelry was made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, copper, faience (a type of glazed ceramic), and precious stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, and amethyst.
• Types of Jewelry: Common types of jewelry included necklaces, collars, bracelets, armlets, anklets, rings, earrings, and amulets.
• Symbolic Significance: Jewelry was not only decorative but also served as amulets for protection. Many pieces were adorned with images of gods, goddesses, and sacred symbols, such as the ankh (symbol of life), the djed (symbol of stability), and the scarab (symbol of rebirth).
• Necklaces: Necklaces were one of the most popular types of jewelry. They ranged from simple strands of beads to elaborate collars made of gold and precious stones. The wesekh collar, a broad collar that covered the chest and shoulders, was a symbol of wealth and status.
• Amulets: Amulets were worn for protection against evil spirits and disease. They were made of various materials and were often shaped like gods, goddesses, or animals. The scarab beetle amulet was particularly popular, as it was believed to bring good luck and protection.
• Makeup: Both men and women in ancient Egypt wore makeup. Eye makeup was particularly important, as it was believed to protect the eyes from the sun and ward off evil spirits. Kohl, a black powder made from galena (lead sulfide), was used to line the eyes and darken the eyebrows. Green eye paint, made from malachite, was also popular.
• Perfume: Egyptians used perfumes and scented oils to enhance their personal hygiene and attractiveness. These perfumes were made from a variety of ingredients, including flowers, herbs, and spices.

The Significance of Wigs and Hairstyles

Wigs and hairstyles were an integral part of ancient Egyptian fashion. Both men and women wore wigs, especially on formal occasions.

• Practicality and Style: Wigs provided protection from the sun and were a way to maintain a fashionable appearance. Natural hair was often shaved or kept short for hygiene reasons.
• Materials: Wigs were made from human hair, animal hair, or plant fibers. They could be simple or elaborate, depending on the wearer's status.
• Styles: Wigs came in a variety of styles, including long and flowing, short and curly, and braided. They were often adorned with beads, flowers, and other decorations.
• Men's Hairstyles: Men often shaved their heads and wore wigs or headcloths. The nemes headdress was a striped headcloth worn by pharaohs.
• Women's Hairstyles: Women wore their hair long and often adorned it with braids, beads, and flowers. Wigs were also popular, especially among the upper classes.

Evolution of Fashion Over Time

Ancient Egyptian fashion evolved over time, reflecting changes in the culture, economy, and political landscape.

• Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100-2686 BCE): During this period, clothing was simple and functional. Men wore loincloths, and women wore sheath dresses.
• Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BCE): Fashion became more refined during the Old Kingdom. Kilts became more elaborate, and women's dresses were made of finer linen.
• Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1650 BCE): During the Middle Kingdom, tunics became more common for men, and women began wearing overdresses and shawls.
• New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE): The New Kingdom was a period of great wealth and prosperity, and fashion reflected this. Clothing became more elaborate and colorful. Tunics became more popular, and women wore intricately pleated dresses.
• Late Period (c. 664-332 BCE): During the Late Period, Egyptian fashion was influenced by foreign cultures, including the Persians and the Greeks.

FAQ: Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient Egyptian Fashion

• Q: What was the main fabric used in ancient Egyptian clothing?

  • A: Linen, made from the flax plant, was the primary fabric.

• Q: Did men and women wear the same colors?

  • A: While white was common for both, Egyptians used a variety of colors. Men's clothing tended to be simpler in color, while women's could be more vibrant.

• Q: Was jewelry only for the wealthy?

  • A: No, people of all social classes wore jewelry, though the quality and quantity varied.

• Q: Why did Egyptians wear wigs?

  • A: Wigs provided protection from the sun, were a way to maintain a fashionable appearance, and were used for hygiene reasons.

• Q: How did royal attire differ from that of commoners?

  • A: Royal attire was made of the finest materials, adorned with gold and precious stones, and laden with symbols of power and divinity.

Conclusion: Echoes of the Nile

Clothing in ancient Egypt was far more than just a means of covering the body. It was a reflection of the society's values, beliefs, and social structure. From the simple loincloths of the laborers to the elaborate robes of the pharaohs, every garment told a story about the wearer's status, identity, and place in the world.

The legacy of ancient Egyptian fashion continues to resonate today, influencing modern designs and inspiring awe for the ingenuity and sophistication of this remarkable civilization. The flowing lines, natural materials, and symbolic adornments of ancient Egyptian clothing remind us of the enduring power of fashion to reflect and shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

What aspects of ancient Egyptian fashion do you find most intriguing? How do you think their clothing reflects their values and beliefs?