An Ancient Egyptian And Their Wig
Kha is getting anxious; he needs to make sure that he looks his best for tonight’s event, a party at his friend’s house. All sorts of people will be there, including some significant individuals, so he must present the best impression possible. He goes over to his chest, opens it and takes out his best wig. It cost him a lot, but it was well worth it. He feels complete with his wig on; he also knows that he will be judged by it, and people will know just how important he is. He puts it on, adjusts it and says to himself: “I am ready”. His wife Merit is going through the same situation and has the same thoughts about it.
In Ancient Egypt, you were not entirely “dressed” until your wig was on. Wigs were worn by both genders and were an essential element for ancient Egyptians, especially for those in the upper echelons of society. You could tell where a person was ranked in society because wearing a wig signified their social position; the higher their prestige, the more wigs they owned. It was a symbol of exalted rank if you could wear a complex wig with many curls and braids. Also, an ornate wig had sexual implications for women. As Egyptian writings reveal, we know that they were frequently viewed as a form of sexual attractiveness. Men and women valued beauty and hygiene. Evidence of manicures and pedicures has been uncovered in bas-relief carvings to go along with their wigs. Not only did their hair need to be in top shape, but so did their hands and nails. Wigs were so crucial that slaves and servants could not shave their heads or wear wigs under Egyptian law.
However, the question is, why did the Ancient Egyptians wear wigs? The answer is pretty straightforward. Hair was a key concern for the Egyptians due to the heat. It was and still is a sweltering place. Egyptians were also preoccupied with being clean. Individuals were compelled to shave their heads due to the heat and their frequent obsession with hygiene. This obsession was related to how easy it was for hair to get infected with lice. Lice can only thrive if they have access to the blood supply, which is impossible with a wig on top of the head. Wigs were also used instead of headdresses or alongside ornate headdresses for significant events.
The first Egyptian wigs consisted of human hair (c.2700 B.C.E. ). However, cheaper, more affordable alternatives such as palm leaf fibres and wool were available for poor people.
Egyptian wigs had a construction comparable to that of a helmet. Over time, they perfected the method of producing them. Some were dyed a vibrant blue, crimson, or green and embellished with valuable stones and jewels. Maintaining a wig was also very important. They would use fragrant oils such as fir oil, almond oil, rosemary oil, and castor oil on their wigs (and natural hair – they thought the oils would encourage hair growth).
The Egyptians also loved style and keeping up with the latest trends. With time, the wigs grew in size. During the early dynasties (about 3200 b.c.e.) and the Old Kingdom (c.2700– c.2000 B.C.E.), both sexes wore narrowly cut wigs with rows of short curls or somewhat longer straight hair.
There were two kinds of wigs prevalent throughout the Middle Kingdom period: short and long-haired wigs. The hair had a part so that the brow was seen. At the same time, the ears and back of the neck were entirely obscured. Hair coils dangling forwards over each shoulder were also trendy.
Some women in later kingdoms grew their hair longer and wore wigs of increasing length and volume, Some women in later kingdoms grew their hair longer and wore wigs of increasing length and volume, showing their natural hair below. Wigs had grown exceedingly beautiful by the time of the New Kingdom (c.1500–c.750 B.C.E.) and were woven with gold and diamonds. On the other hand, men’s wigs got much longer in the front than in the rear and were much less voluminous. Even in death, they wanted to appear prosperous and have gorgeous hair, so people were frequently buried with their finest wigs after death.
Bibliography:
Gill, A. (2004). Ancient Egyptians. Harper Collins Entertainment.
T. (n.d.). Wig Rings Of Sithathoryunet, On a Modern Wig. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. .
M. (n.d.). Collection Online – Merit’s Wig. Museo Egizio.
M. (n.d.). Collection Online – Box for Merit’s Wig. Museo Egizio.
Egyptian Headwear | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.).
Changing Beauty: The Use Of Elaborate Wigs In Ancient Egypt | Ancient Origins. (n.d.).
Wigs | Encyclopedia.com. (2018, May 4).
Facts About Ancient Egyptians. (n.d.).
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