Egypt Notes

Cultural Expressions

Definitions

• Kohl – a black powder mixed with water• Ochre – red clay• Henna – a plant dye they used to colour their

fingernails and hands• Amulets – good luck charms to keep away evil

spirits and prevent injury• Shift – a simple loose fitting dress• Loincloths – wrap around skirt

Fashion in Egypt

These are all part of fashion • Clothing• Jewelry • Make up • Hair cut

Make up

• Ancient Egyptians wanted to boost their personal beauty

• Men, women and children all wore make-up• Mirrors were made of polished silver or copper• Eyes and eyebrows were outlined in KOHL• Ochre was applied to their lips• Henna was used to decorate their hands and

fingernails

Hairstyles

• very similar to hairstyles today• “ordinary” people wore their hair short• girls usually wore pigtails• Boys usually had shaved heads with one braid

worn to the side• Some men and women dyed their hair using

henna• Wigs were worn and were made of sheep wool or

human hair

Jewelry

• Egyptians thought that rings and amulets would keep evil spirits and injury away

• Men and women had pierced ears, armlets, bracelets, and anklets

• Wealthy people wore beaded collars, necklaces, and pendants of precious stones and metals

• Ordinary people had less jewelry that was made from less expensive material

Clothing

• People dressed for comfort because of the hot and dry climate

• Most clothing was made from white linen• Women wore a linen shift – a loose fitting dress• Men wore loincloths – a wrap around skirt• Ordinary people wore coarsely woven linen

which was not as soft• Sandals or bare feet

Linen Shift for women

Loincloth for men

With a partner, discuss the following: Compare the ways that Egyptians adorned (dressed) themselves with the way that you do. Consider hairstyle, make up, jewelry, clothing and footwear. Fill in the venn diagram

Me and my Friends(differences)

Middle: Similarities

Egyptians (differences)

HENNA