Much of what we know about the Ancient Egyptian clothing It has been obtained from images and reliefs found in tombs and temples. These representations not only reflect everyday and ceremonial scenes, but also a clear distinction between social classes through clothing and ornaments. The differences between the clothing of peasants, workers and Egyptian high society offer us a fascinating insight into how this civilization used clothing not only for practical purposes, but also as a method of demonstrating status.
Clothing of the working classes
In ancient Egypt, the working classes, composed mainly of peasants and slaves, dressed in a simple and functional manner, adapted to the climate and the demands of their daily work. The predominant material was linen, due to its lightness and breathability, ideal for withstanding the stifling heat. Men wore a type of skirt known as shenti, a rectangular piece of linen that was tied at the waist and left much of the upper torso exposed. It was often girded with a belt of leather or plant fibers.
Working women used to wear simple tunics, straight cut, sleeveless and also made of linen. In situations of extreme poverty or during their most demanding tasks, it was not unusual to see servants working naked, thus relieving themselves of the heat and discomfort of movement.
Clothing of the Egyptian aristocracy
Contrary to the lower classes, the Egyptian aristocracy used their clothing not only as a reflection of their social status, but also as a display of wealth and power. The robes of noble women generally covered the entire body, marking and highlighting the female figure. These dresses, known as kalasiris, were long, tight-fitting and held up by straps. The linen used in their manufacture was of a much finer quality, with a characteristic transparency, and was often decorated with embroidery and appliqués of gold or precious stones.
Aristocratic men often wore a kilt similar to the shenti, though more elaborate and with intricate pleating. On special occasions, a tunic or doublet was added over the top, made from the finest materials and adorned with rich decorations.
In both sexes, the wigs were common items. These wigs were not only used for aesthetic reasons, but also for hygiene reasons, as the Egyptians preferred to keep their heads shaved to avoid lice.
Ceremonial and gala clothing
Ceremonial clothing in Ancient Egypt, used in important rituals and celebrations, was much more elaborate than everyday clothing. Pharaohs, for example, wore gala outfits that included skirts of fine linen, belted with gold or silver belts, and over these were placed transparent capes that reached to the ankles. These outfits, in addition to their representative function, also had a powerful religious symbolism.
One of the most famous headdresses of the period is the nemes, a distinctive piece that covered the head of the pharaohs, made of a cloth with horizontal stripes in blue and gold. This headdress, in addition to its imposing appearance, symbolized the divinity of the pharaoh and his direct connection with the gods.
The royal women They also stood out in their gala attire. They wore linen dresses decorated with gold threads and embroidery, which enhanced both their beauty and their status. The fine capes and feathers that accompanied them also contributed to offering an image of lightness and elegance.
Accessories and footwear in Ancient Egypt
In addition to clothing, the accessories and the footwear They played a fundamental role in the clothing of Ancient Egypt. Sandals were the most common type of footwear. Peasants and workers generally went barefoot, but on special occasions and ceremonies they used sandals made of plant fibers or leather. In the case of nobility and royalty, sandals were decorated with gold, silver and precious stones.
The jewelry They were also an integral part of clothing for both men and women. Necklaces, bracelets, bangles and rings were used to adorn the body, and their quantity and quality depended on the social status of the person. The most common materials were gold and copper, although semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli and turquoise were also used.
The relationship between clothing and religion
In Ancient Egypt, clothing not only had a functional and aesthetic purpose, but also served a spiritual and religious function. The outfits worn by priests during ceremonies were made with special care, using expensive materials. These garments often included complex religious symbolism, such as the use of the color white, which represented purity, or the use of garments decorated with feathers, which evoked flight to the gods.
Furthermore, clothing played a crucial role during funerals and other religious ceremonies. The mummies of the pharaohs, for example, were dressed in ceremonial clothing and carried accessories loaded with symbolism, such as protective amulets and jewelry intended to ensure their safe passage to the afterlife.
It is clear that clothing in ancient Egypt was much more than a simple functional or aesthetic matter. Each garment, accessory and ornament reflected the social, political and religious reality of the time, and studying them provides us with a window into a civilization that knew how to make clothing a manifestation of its culture and power.