Egyptian Woman: Lady of Ancient Civilization

By: Ali Abu Dashish and Jude Nazeer

CAIRO: Mar, 9 (SEE) — Archaeologist and director of the Antiquities Museum at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Dr. Hussein Abdel Bassir affirmed that had it not been for the ancient Egyptian women, ancient Egypt would not have been born.

It’s undeniable that the Egyptian woman is the center of motivation, inspiration, and creativity of Egyptian men. A woman is capable of building a man’s confidence and urging him to work and improve. And there is no doubt that Egypt preceded the world in respecting women and granting them their full rights.

Women in ancient Egypt enjoyed a high status and acquired many rights that were not obtained in the ancient world —also in modern times only recently. The role of women in ancient Egypt was important. Not only was she equal to man in rights and duties, but was also his companion, both during and after their life on earth.

An ancient Egyptian woman was characterized by creativity, ingenuity, and excellence in more than one domain. She held many titles both at home, in the temple, or in the community.

The role of an ancient Egyptian woman was not just limited in her house. However, her roles varied in society since the beginning of the ancient Egyptian civilization. In addition, she bore many revering titles, such as (nept-ber) or (household lady), which indicates the great status and appreciation she obtained in her husband's house. Not only did she manage the housework, but also helped her husband in his work. Besides baking and brewing, she did the farm work from harvesting to raising cattle.

Abdel Bassir added that the ancient Egyptian women ruled the country alone. This indicates the greatness of the Egyptian personality and the extent of freedom the society enjoyed in ancient Egypt. He explained that the contribution of ancient Egyptian queens was no less than that of a king.

The archaeologist explained that the Queen Mother was mandated by virtue of the country on behalf of her son, the crowned prince. This historic incident is one of the first incidents in this context. The role of women was important in maintaining the country's throne for their children until they reached adulthood, since the mother is the most loyal to her son.

As a member of the royal family, the queen mother was also trained to take on her responsibility and defend her child until she is sure her child is mature enough and capable to rule the country himself. It was mothers, not fathers or brothers, who played this glorious role when the husband suddenly departed.

Abdel Bassir declared that the woman's relationship with her husband was strong and based on love and appreciation. In ancient Egyptian paintings, the woman was depicted standing next to her husband, with her left arm round his shoulders and her right hand over his chest. This artistic depiction carries a contemporary cultural significance that reflects the peak of love, compassion, affection, and communication between men and women in the ancient Egyptian society.