Ancient egyptian clothing of the higher classes
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Ancient Egyptian clothing differed based on social class. The lower classes, including slaves, wore little to no clothing, while higher classes and royalty wore more elaborate outfits made of finer materials. Royalty, both male pharaohs and female royalty, had distinctive clothing styles - pharaohs wore a stiff loincloth and later a fringed tunic, while royal women wore a one-piece woven dress called a kalasiris or a haik consisting of two cloth pieces stitched at the sides. Their clothing often featured decorative elements like belts, collars, and shawls.
Ancient egyptian clothing of the higher classes
- 1. Ancient Egyptian Clothing of the Higher Classes By – Geetika Agarwal
- 2. Introduction The Ancient Egyptian civilization was concentrated in the lower regions of the Nile Valley. It coalesced in 3150 B.C, its history is divided by periods of relativity into 3 main Kingdoms called the Old Kingdom of the Early Bronze Age Middle Kingdom of the Middle Bronze Age New Kingdom of the Late Bronze Age The Egyptian people were an extremely advanced civilization with a very evolved cultural and economic system. Among their many achievements were the early development of the writing technique, quarrying, construction and a very good administrative system.
- 3. The Textiles In Ancient Egypt the textile most commonly used was linen or flax. Wool and silk were also known but were prohibited for use except in coats or cloaks, as animal fibers were considered impure.
- 4. Class Distinction The Egyptian costume was much scantier than that of Assyria and Babylon. The wearing of clothes was a kind of class distinction. The lower classes and slaves of the palace went about almost if not completely naked. The royal costume differed from others as it was of a much finer material and with embroidered belts and collars. Female servants who are naked save a gold girdle dressing a lady of higher social standing who is covered from chest to ankle.
- 5. The Pharaohs During the Old Kingdom the characteristic garment was the schenti or loin- cloth. This garment was very stiff and pleated for the royals. Often it was held in place by a belt.
- 6. Under the New Kingdom the Pharaohs also wore a long fringed tunic called kalasiris. This tunic was semi-transparent allowing the loin- cloth to be seen underneath.
- 7. The Royal Women The royal women would also wear the kalasiris which in the case of women would be woven in one piece. Another garment was the haik which were 2 rectangular pieces of cloth stiched at the sides and with a small opening for the neck. The sleeves of the haik would be tied back by suspenders attached to the shoulders. The suspenders would then be secured around the waist etc.
- 8. Often the women’s chests would be exposed in the garment which consisted of a long tubular dress with thin shoulder straps. They would cover up their top with either elaborate jewel collars and shawls or capes.