Egyptian Women
The
Status of Egyptian Women
There was no seclusion of women at
any time among the ancient Egyptians. The figure of the wife on the
early monuments constantly accompanies that of her husband. She is his
associate in all his occupations. Her subordination is indicated by her
representation being on an unduly smaller scale, and by her ordinary
position, which is behind the figure of her "lord and master." In
statuary, however, she appears seated with him on the same seat or
chair. There is no appearance of her having been either a drudge or a
plaything. She was regarded as man's true "helpmate," shared his
thoughts, ruled his family, and during their early years had the charge
of his children. Women were entombed with as much care, and almost with
as much pomp, as men. The right of women to ascend the throne is said to
have been asserted by one of the kings who preceded Sneferu; and from
time to time women actually exercised in Egypt the royal authority.
Egyptian Women -
Marriage
The Ancient Egyptians had no formal marriage ceremony as such. marriage
was seen as a sacred institution. A man and a woman set up home together
and the Ancient Egyptian expression for marriage was 'founding a house'.
Setting up a home together and together with legal agreements
regarding maintenance and possessions constituted a marriage. An
Egyptian woman would marry at the age of 14 whereas the age for a man
was about 20. Marriages were usually between men and women of the same
social standing. Marriages within the family were also common especially
between cousins. Incestuous marriages only occurred within the royal
family and involved the Pharaoh who was believed to be a god. The
property rights of Ancient Egyptian women were highly favourable
compared to other civilizations and women remained the owner of whatever
she brought into the household. It must be said, however, that the
natural state of Egyptian women was as wife and mother and an unattached
woman was treated with some suspicion.
Egyptian Women -
Polygamy
Polygamy was legal for the Ancient Egyptians.
Polygamy is the practice of marriage to more
than one spouse simultaneously. Although polygamy was legal it was
generally only practised by the wealthy - the prospect of paying
maintenance to several women must have reduced the practise. Pharaohs
practised polygamy which helped to seal alliances, establish their
dynasties and resolve questions of succession. In instances were
polygamy was practised one of the women would be named as the main wife
and enjoyed a special and higher status compared to any other wives.
Egyptian Women -
Divorce
Divorce was allowed in the Ancient Egyptian society and a divorce was
obtained by one partner renouncing the other with or without the consent
of the other person. If either partner did not get on with the other it
was sufficient grounds for a divorce. Wanting to marry another person
was also seen as a perfectly good reason for a divorce. A man could
choose another woman as a wife in order to improve his social standing
in the Ancient Egyptian society. Adultery was another reason for divorce
but even if the woman was the guilty party she would retain certain
rights of maintenance from her previous husband and of course her
property was still her own. In the event of a divorce a woman would
receive one third of the assets which were acquired during the period of
the marriage.
Egyptian Women -
Women's Rights
The Ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of women's rights. The
terms of marriage and divorce were not unfavorable to women and they
also had additional rights. Egyptian women were allowed to farm land,
sell land and produce produce which they could sell. A woman was equal
to a man under law and if she broke the law she was answerable to
the consequences.
Egyptian Women -
Men were the most powerful - Jobs for the Men
Although Egyptian women were equal according to the law the men were
still seen as the masters in many other respects. The most accepted role
of a woman in Ancient Egyptian society was that of a wife and a mother.
Most of the Pharaohs were male and female Pharaohs often wore the false
beard as a symbol of royal power as only kings should be Pharaohs. Women
were excluded from roles such as court officials and although some women
were educated this was far more common for men. Even as young girls
women were expected to serve men. Many jobs were based on the strength
and stamina of men so women undertook less physical tasks. Women were
not allowed to carry any blades so any jobs requiring the use of such a
tool was banned to women. Even the job of washing clothes was deemed as
a job for a man as it was possible that a crocodile could attack someone
undertaking this occupation.
Egyptian Women -
The Role of a Mother
The most important role for Egyptian women was that of a mother.
Producing children was the main reason why Egyptians married. Delivery
of children usually took place on a special shaded pavilion and women
were tended by their close female relations. Their was a high mortality
rate and women who became mothers then took on the responsibility of
raising their children as safely as possible.
Egyptian Women
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