Check Ancient Egyptian Woman’s Value through Literature

By: Ali Abu Dashish

CAIRO, Dec. 11 (SEE)- Ancient Egyptians treated a woman in a very precious way. Clear evidence about her great value was establishing statues, temples, and cemeteries for women.

Regarding traditions, woman played a very important role, as she was the gate for the Pharaoh to reach the country’s throne. In other words, for a pharaoh to become the king, according to traditions, he had to be a son of a royal mother.

Archeologist Zahi Hawass said “All kinds of art reflect society, including modern and ancient societies. Literature is the most important form of art because it gives us information about all society’s categories. Literature shows the duty of society’s members, whether women or men, elders or children.

Concerning woman in ancient Egyptian literature, she was seen as an essential partner in life. Her value can be seen through literature in many aspects.

In a story titled “The Fluent Villager,” it is noticed that a woman carried the house’s responsibility with her man. She was able to manage the family’s life during her husband’s absence. “I am going to the city to bring food for the children, go and weigh for me wheat in the store, what would remain is going to be for you and for the children,” said a man to his wife in the story.

Another legend that reveals the woman’s value in society is Isis and Osiris. Through the conflict between Set and Horus, if it was not for Isis, Egypt would have disappeared. Isis was the one fought against evil. She kept on searching for Osiris till she brought him back to life. Afterwards, she became pregnant by him with the child who then revenged for his father’s death. Her son, Horus, became Egypt’s king.

We are going to present what sages in the pharaohs’ era mentioned about women. Ptahhotep, while he was speaking about family, said to a man “If you want to be a successful man, then strengthened ties with your family, love your wife, and take good care of her.”

Ptahhotep highlighted the importance of family ties and of respecting the house’s members. “When you enter a house and want to protect friendship with the family living there, whether you are a master or a follower, do not get close to the family’s women.

Moving to Anni, he was motivating youth to marry at an early age. While he was advising his son, he expressed “Get married while you are still young, to be able to have children at a young age.”

Anni warned about adultery and its punishment that would lead to death penalty, speaking about being kind to parents even when they are not alive “Present offerings to your mother and father at their tombs, do not forget doing this,” adding that double the amount of bread given to your mother, tolerate her as she tolerated pregnancy and breastfeeding. When you get married, always remember how your mother raised you without being angry.”

We have many proofs that show the woman’s strength with kings. In the story “Cheops and Wizards” there is a scene where king Sneferu went on an excursion in a boat, with beautiful ladies blaspheming. One of the lady’s earrings fell in the water. So they stopped, then the priest came to stir the water, using magic, to recover her earrings.

Translator: Maydaa Abo El-Nadar