Popyrus | Culture
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| Clothing in ancient times |
Clothing in Egypt's diverse civilization is a powerful visual language that conveys identity, desire, and belonging. It is linked to social status and class differences, serving as subtle indicators. Clothing in Egypt reveals socioeconomic stratification, from finely fitted suits to utilitarian outfits and internationally inspired styles adopted by the young in emerging cities.
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Weaving class distinctions in Ancient Egypt:
Each socioeconomic
class in ancient Egypt had its own set of clothes. In addition to the clothing
of the common people, kings, judges, ministers, soldiers, and priests all wore
their own clothes.
The Pharaonic period
in Egypt was the wealthiest period in ancient Egyptian history, according to a
recent study by Dr. Dalia Saleh Farah, a fashion designer and professor at
Luxor University's Faculty of Fine Arts. One of the most significant sources of
inspiration for modern fashion is the pharaonic garment, which is still used in
many different ways today.
Clothing in ancient times
A royal kilt with a
wolf's tail and a short shirt were the ceremonial garments worn by kings. The
royal clothing, which was embellished with needlework and colored threads, was
among the most priceless items of clothing. Although they have not yet identified
its function, researchers have found linen fabric coated in what appears to be
fur
Judges and ministers
wore a woven garment, while army and police officers wore different outfits.
Army archers wore a short crimson kilt with green embroidery, while common
people wore a loose kilt. The upper classes had different attire, with the New
Kingdom's kilt and the Old Kingdom's short kilt, while the New Kingdom workers
preferred a linen "kilt" covered with a leather net. The common
people were content with basic clothing and wore loose kilt while working, as
the tight kilt prevented them from opening it in the front.
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The Medieval Egyptian Catwalk:
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
Ministers and high-ranking officials were seen as belonging to the higher social strata due to their prominent positions and distinguishing characteristics, such as short clothing and turbans, demonstrating their wealth and luxury and association with high social status.
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
State officials, servants, and courtiers wore silk or golden suits, demonstrating their financial status and connection to the civil servant class. Palace women wore a gilded robe, the most prestigious garment, as their position in the palace increased, demonstrating their association with the upper class, as mentioned in research conducted by Tamer Magdy Issa, a doctor at Fayoum University.
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
Regarding the People of the Covenant's clothing, the ruling class wore black turbans on their heads and tied belts around their waists to differentiate and color them. Additionally, each of their women wore sandals of a different color. This unique, characteristic clothing represented a social importance and signified their social standing.
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| Clothing in the Middle Ages |
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Contemporary Egyptian Dress Under the Microscope:
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| Clothing in the modern era |
Depending on the wearer's financial situation,
traditional clothing, such as the galabeya, might vary in quality and
ornamentation. It is still commonly worn, particularly in more conservative or
rural communities. Furthermore, social class and geographic location within
Egypt are frequently correlated with the prevalence of Western fashion vs more
modest or religious apparel, with more cosmopolitan regions displaying a
stronger embrace of international design trends.
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| Clothing in the modern era |
The socioeconomic
hierarchy in Egyptian society is visually represented by these sartorial
contrasts, which also signify variations in lifestyle, cultural values, and
resource accessibility. Even though these distinctions have become somewhat
hazy in contemporary Egypt due to globalization and increased connectivity,
fashion choices remain a crucial marker of social identity and membership.