The New Kingdom kings had several wives, although only one bore the title King's Great Wife and functioned as Queen. Monogamy seems to have been the norm for the rest of the country.

The status of a woman sometimes depended on the class of her male relations. The women of wealthy and noble households led a prosperous life. But her peasant sisters might not have enjoyed the same rights.

Lower and middle class women were illiterate, though there were a few exceptions. The upper class had higher rate of literate women. Most royal princesses had private tutors.

It is true that a woman became the Pharaoh only during exceptionable circumstances. Women were banned from government post where writing was needed so most were believe to be illiterate. But otherwise law was equal to the man and women alike.

They were free to go about in public. They could own property, borrow money, sign contracts, initiate divorce, appear in court as a witness, etc. Of course, they were also equally subject to whatever responsibilities normally accompanied those rights.

Marriage and offspring were always desirable, but in some societies wives were simply domestic servants and offspring acquired importance only when they grew up. The extended family concept was present in Ancient Egypt with mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, living together or in close proximity of each other.

Tombs depict women at various occupations such as singers, musicians, dancers, servants, beer brewers, bakers, professional mourners, priestess and the loyal loving wife.

Egyptian women and men gave considerable importance to their beauty and appearance. Even today, Egyptian women are known for their beauty. Tomb paintings depict the owners in the latest fashions in wigs, clothing, and makeup.

Cosmetics were not considered a luxury but a necessity for daily life and many examples of makeup, perfume, and toiletry items are found in tombs.

Women are often shown gazing into a mirror at a banquet or party. Henna was used to dye the hair, nails and body. Wealthy ladies had female attendants that helped with her daily grooming. Nudity was not a proscribed among Egyptians.