Adorning the Body | Global Posts & Tags

Sarah Zhao

What kind of simple and light clothing did the Ancient Egyptians wear?

-clothing made from linen, a soft cloth, created from a plant fiber called flax

-men wore piece of cloth wrapped around waist, and a plain shirt

-women wore long skirts or dresses sometimes topped with square pieces of fabric used as shawls.

-wealthy Egyptians; same style, better fabric- dyed

How did the Ancient Egyptians use jewelry?

-men and women, rich and poor used jewelry

-magical and decorative purposes

-worn as amulets (charms) to protect the wearer from harm

-earrings, broad collars with strands of beads, pectorals, bracelets, rings, armbands and anklets

In what ways did the Ancient Egyptians pay great attention to their hair?

-dyed hair using henna (red dye from powdered plant leaves)

-cut hair very short/shaved heads completely

-wealthy people had elaborate wigs made from human hair

-tied cones of scented animal fat (perfumed pomades) to wigs; fat would melt down wig giving off attractive scent

-children shaved heads except for some hair for braids(s)

How did Ancient Egyptians adorn themselves with cosmetics?

-for fashion and protection from weather

-perfumed oils to soften skin to prevent burning and cracking in hot climate

-colored eyelids with green substance made from soft stone, malachite

-outlined eyes using black kohl (substance of lead ore mixed with water) to make eyes look larger and protect eyes from sun

-some had antibacterial properties, also helped prevent wearers from catching diseases

Citations:

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