Ancient Egypt Accessories had a religious, cultural and political significance. The attire of the Pharaohs and Kings was highly symbolic and exclusive. The regalia included the cobra, which was worn on a crown and sometimes the hood-like head-dress which was a royal symbol in Egypt. Ankh, an object resembling a cross, a sacred sign of life was used in ancient Egypt.
Barring the nobility’s garments, the attire of ancient Egyptian men and women was simple and unadorned. It was the accessories, mainly jewelry, that displayed color and wealth. During the Old Kingdom, a style originated that included simple white pleated clothing. This clothing was often richly enhanced with wide collars made of shells, flowers, beads, and precious stones set in gold. These decorative pieces were merely a sample of the range of jewelry available. It is significant that the crook and flail represented authority over the land and the people in ancient Egypt. Amulets, in the shape of scarab beetles, were worn in life and then buried with the dead for protection.
Ancient Egyptian Fashion
Due to sun and heat, the Egyptians paid considerable attention to their skin as well as their appearance. This was required for good health as much as vanity. Egyptians bathed frequently, almost several times a day. Unguents and oils were applied to the skin by both men and women. A mixture that was made of plant extracts mixed with the fat of a cat, crocodile, and hippo was very popular.
Eye makeup was regularly used to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun and from disease-bearing insects. Red ocher was applied to the lips and cheeks by women. Even women use this makeup today for the same reason.
Ancient Egypt Hair and Wigs
To people of ancient Egypt, hair was a special problem as it was very hot. Thus the hair was hard to keep clean and got easily infested with lice. The problem was solved by shaving their heads and wearing a wig. The wig could be raised on small pads to allow a flow of air between the scalp and the hair. The benefit was that they never turned gray or bald. Women interested in keeping their hair were told they could enhance its natural color. This was done by rubbing in a mixture of oil and the boiled blood of a black cat or bull. Men wore wigs mainly for religious events.
Wigs formed an integral part of the ancient Egypt accessories and were worn by both sexes. They had both a functional and aesthetic purpose. The heat and the habitual preoccupation with cleanliness forced the people to shave their heads. The nobility shaved their heads and wore wigs that were made of real hair. The famous Pharoah Cleopatra is known to have possessed wigs in several hair shades.
On the other hand, the poor people wore wigs made of wool.
Ancient Egypt Jewelry
Ancient Egyptians were the masters in the art of jewelry making. Since before the Dynasties, jewelry was the part of ancient Egypt Accessories in the wardrobe. Different jewelry items included the necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets. These were made of gold, coral, pearl, agate, onyx, and chalcedony. Silver, mainly used for ornamentation was the substance of the gods’ bones.
Flowers, an adornment in religious ceremonies was not only used to enhance the beauty but also for their sacred qualities. Mummies wearing collars of flowers have been found by Archeologists.
Ancient Egyptian Footwear
There is little evidence of footwear being worn by either kings or priests, prior to the 9th century B.C. It is not even evident in depictions of deities. However, by 814 B.C., a simple footwear called sandals appeared. This added footwear to the ancient Egypt accessories. Sandals consisted of two straps and a sole made in a coiled technique using grass and clean palm leaves, papyrus, wood, and goat skin. Footwear not only protected the feet from the hot desert sand but also helped in keeping them cool.
Both men and women wore the same type of sandals during those times. Shoes were kept for indoor wear. During a journey, they would be carried and put on when a party arrived at their destination.
