Ancient Egypt Fashion History
The Fashion of Ancient EgyptThe fashion of Ancient Egypt is a testament to the cultural richness of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Clothing was a significant part of ancient Egyptian society, reflecting individuals' social status, wealth, and occupation. This extensive article delves into the intricacies of old Egyptian fashion, revealing how climate, societal norms, and religious beliefs influenced their attire.
Textiles and Materials
The primary fabric used in ancient Egyptian attire was linen from the flax plant's fibers. The Egyptians chose linen because of its light and breathable nature, ideal for Egypt's hot climate. The linen was often left in its white color, as dyeing was challenging. However, on rare occasions, Egyptians used red, blue, and yellow dyes to color their garments.
While linen was the fabric of choice, wool was considered impure and was rarely used. Animal fibers were available but were reserved for the affluent members of society due to their rarity and cost.
Clothing Styles and Designs
The design of ancient Egyptian clothing was generally simple and functional. The linen cloth was typically draped over the body and secured with a belt or sewn in a few places. The style remained largely the same for the rich and poor, with differences mainly in the quality of the linen and the intricacy of the design intricacy of the designs.
Men generally wore a wrap-around skirt, similar to a kilt, tied at the waist and sometimes wrapped around the legs. The length of the dress varied depending on the era and fashion trends. During the Old Kingdom, men donned short skirts, while longer, calf-length skirts were preferred during the Middle Kingdom.
Women, on the other hand, wore straight, full-length dresses with one or two shoulder straps. The upper edge of the dress could be worn above or below the breasts. The dresses were sometimes pleated or draped and were often adorned with beads or feathers.
Footwear in Ancient Egypt
Most ancient Egyptians preferred to go barefoot due to the hot climate. However, they wore sandals made from plant fibers or leather when footwear was necessary. The type of sandal worn often indicated the wearer's social status. Wealthier Egyptians wore leather sandals, while those of lower socioeconomic status donned sandals made from woven papyrus or palm leaves.
Wigs and Hairstyles
Hairstyles played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian fashion. Both men and women shaved their heads and wore wigs. Men typically wore short wigs, while women's could be significant and elaborate. Wealthier individuals often adorned their wigs with beads, jewels, or other decorative items. The wigs were made from human hair, horsehair, or plant fibers.
Jewelry and Makeup
Jewelry was an integral part of ancient Egyptian fashion. Both men and women wore heavy bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and collars. The type and amount of jewelry worn often signified the individual's social status and wealth. Amulets, believed to protect the wearer, were a popular form of jewelry.
Makeup, too, was a significant aspect of ancient Egyptian fashion. Both sexes wore kohl eyeliner to line their eyes and darken their eyelashes and eyebrows. They also used blue or green eyeshadow made from powdered minerals. Henna dye was used to color the lips and nails.
Clothing of the Pharaohs and the Nobility
The Pharaohs and the nobility had their distinct style, which was more elaborate and luxurious than ordinary citizens. Pharaohs wore a half-pleated kilt with a pleated section in the front, symbolic of their power. They also wore leopard skin cloaks over their shoulders and a lion's tail hanging from their belt to symbolize their status.
Nobility's clothing was made from finer linen and was almost transparent. They also used jewelry and headdresses for special occasions. The "names" headdress was a standard accessory for the Pharaohs, while the "khat" or headcloth was popular among the nobility.
Influence of Religion on Fashion
Religion significantly influenced ancient Egyptian fashion. The Egyptians believed clothing and jewelry could help them gain favor from the gods. They also felt certain animals were sacred, so Pharaohs often wore leopard skin cloaks.
Priests had their unique dress code. They were required to shave their entire bodies and wear specific garments when performing religious ceremonies. Despite its availability, wool was considered taboo and rarely used in these religious contexts.
Children's Clothing in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, children wore little to no clothing until they reached the age of six. After that age, they began to wear clothing similar to their parents. Children, like adults, also wore jewelry such as anklets, bracelets, and collars.
Evolution of Ancient Egyptian Fashion
The fashion of ancient Egypt evolved over thousands of years. While the essential elements remained the same - linen clothing, jewelry, and makeup - there were changes in styles, designs, and accessories. For instance, the length and type of men's skirts changed across different eras. Similarly, straight and straightforward women's dresses initially became more pleated and draped over time.
Despite these changes, the underlying principle of ancient Egyptian fashion remained the same - simplicity and comfort. This principle, coupled with the influence of climate, societal norms, and religious beliefs, shaped the style of one of history's most fascinating civilizations.
Textiles and Materials
The primary fabric used in ancient Egyptian attire was linen from the flax plant's fibers. The Egyptians chose linen because of its light and breathable nature, ideal for Egypt's hot climate. The linen was often left in its white color, as dyeing was challenging. However, on rare occasions, Egyptians used red, blue, and yellow dyes to color their garments.
While linen was the fabric of choice, wool was considered impure and was rarely used. Although animal fibers were available, due to their rarity and cost, they were reserved for the affluent members of society.
Conclusion
Ancient Egyptian fashion offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The clothing and accessories worn by the ancient Egyptians were not just about aesthetics or comfort. They reflected their social status, wealth, occupation, and religious beliefs. Understanding old Egyptian fashion gives us a deeper insight into their culture, values, and way of life.is a testament to the cultural richness of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Clothing was a significant part of ancient Egyptian society, reflecting individuals' social status, wealth, and occupation. This extensive article delves into the intricacies of old Egyptian fashion, revealing how climate, societal norms, and religious beliefs influenced their attire.
Ancient Egyptian fashion offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The clothing and accessories worn by the ancient Egyptians were not just about aesthetics or comfort. They reflected their social status, wealth, occupation, and religious beliefs. Understanding old Egyptian fashion gives us a deeper insight into their culture, values, and way of life.
