Queen as King – III
Ancient style, fashion and
the accoutrements of love.
Every society, in its fashion, strives for style.
Style of course is different from fashion, for while modern fashions change by the year, often for the worse, style - truly classical style - can last for millenia. The Ancient Egyptians proved it with their eye of beauty. . . heavy kohl make-up which delineated and exaggerated almond-shaped eyes, creating a frame for the luminosity of the soul.
The design was originally of religious rather than sensual significance. Balance - of emotions, and of physical and spiritual qualities - was the key.
However, elegant sensuality working hand in hand with religious symbolism, became part of the style of Egyptian courts for thousands of years.
(See illustration # 1).
Clothes were not important -not even to the dictates of fashion, or style, or ceremonial symbolism. At ceremonial affairs, the man would be bare-chested and wear a kilt/skirt. It was the woman who, literally, wore the pants, usually under a diaphanous gown, though paintings show that this under-garment was not always worn. Could it be that weather, not decorum, dictated the amount of clothing a man or woman would don?
(See illustration # 2).
Jewellery was important; to express power as well as wealth; religious symbolism as well as beauty. Men as well as women wore it for state occasions but, from the thousands of examples available, it is clear that woman often wore jewellery as bait in the eternal sexual hunt. The style of Ancient Egyptian jewellery - the full necklaces, the rings the bracelets - have seldom been equalled in the last 2000 years.
(See illustration #3)
Men and woman often dressed in similar robes at home. And of course males as well as females used cosmetics, including the famous “eye shadow”.
Gods and goddesses - as ubiquitous carvings and depictions illustrate - often appeared in such similar attitudes that conventions were used to distinguish the sexes. The female was shown - always in profile - with one naked, pert breast and upwardly mobile nipple.
If it were a bisexual god, he would have one thin, drooping female breast.
(illustration #4).
“Accessories” were particularly significant in providing sexual signals. Wigs, for instance, were considered erotic in many circumstances. One scene of a banquet shows cones of scented perfume being placed on the wig of each reveller, and these melted as the party progressed. Wigs were considered blatantly erotic if worn by a naked women in public or private. So were belts worn with nudity. There exists a cosmetic tool which is decorated with a carving of a naked girl wearing elaborate wig, heavy earrings, a necklace and a belt with a diagonal strap. . . and offering a duck.
She offers a duck? It has no association with a future Anglo-Saxon four letter word. It appears the duck had erotic connotations which, like other Egyptian erotic symbols, are abstruse.
Rich Egyptians of both sexes appreciated beautiful objects of daily use - elegant combs; kohl containers for eye make-up; decorative mirrors of polished copper or bronze and finely crafted ointment spoons which might be carved in the sdhape of a musician, a girl swimming, or a male servant carrying a jar on his shoulders.
Homes had special make-up rooms and ointment rooms. Lovers would sometimes keep, among the treasures under their bed, oils and perfumes and clothing for adornment during their amorous encounters.
See illustration # 5)
Ancient Egyptians’ style was to surround themselves with elegant furniture - chairs, finely carved stools, chests, and beds. They had servants in their houses – but never slaves, according to some Egyptologists. They enjoyed good food, drink, music, singing and dancing. Depictions suggest, however, that dancing was a spectator sport with set displays, rather than a convivial activity.
(See illustration # 6)
(Where the hell am I going to find these illustrations which I once filed ?)
In general, Ancient Egyptians intended to enjoy life - and expected to find the same pleasures in their after-life.
This is worth remembering next time you go travelling. Try seeking out the information that brings enlightenment –and joy.
END of 'Ultimate Equality' series of magazine artlicles |
