The following collection emphasizes the feminine identify of ancient Egypt. The ancient world is not known for treating women with high esteem. For much of history and in many parts of the world, women were considered to have little value. They were treated as second-class citizens, or not as citizens at all. Many were not given the opportunity to be educated, pursue a career, or even choose their own husbands. Physical abuse was actually allowed by the law in many countries. Considering this, it is particularly remarkable that women in Egypt held their own identity, even a powerful identity. They could participate in commerce like any man, selling, managing, and owning slaves, servants, animals, and property. They had influence of their marriage or divorce, and participated in legal hearings. She got to keep her dowry, though her husband maintained use of it. Compared to the rest of the world during this time, including Greece, the Egyptian view of women was pretty remarkable. The pieces of art chosen for this exhibit (with one exception) each reflect the uniqueness of the role of women in Egypt. One prominent example is the sitting statue of Queen Hatshepsut. She was one of the only women to actually act as King over Egypt. The statue has her sitting in traditional royal male clothing, though her figure is still distinctly feminine. This illustrates her peculiar role of a woman serving the nation in a role that had only ever been given to a male. The “Necklace with Fly” was a powerful, popular piece of female (and occasionally male) jewelry that symbolized military success. It shows how women were involved in all areas of life, even related to fighting against enemies. The “Necklace with Fly” also illustrates the role that jewelry played in Egyptian culture. It was an expensive art form, and, therefore, was not wasted. Jewelry was not just an ornamental object: it also carried profound significance. Each piece carried religious and cultural meanings. The flies in the “Necklace with Fly” each symbolized the blood and gore of war, and the persistence of the enemy. Necklaces were embellished with Cowrie shells (a very valuable shell) in order to bring prosperity and divine protection upon the owner. This is something that American culture has greatly lost. Many articles of clothing for American women are either an accessory to flaunt their bodies, cover themselves up, or be socially acceptable. For ancient Egyptian women, their jewelry communicated much more about themselves than their shape. It was a symbol of their values, beliefs, and strengths. It was an intentional part of communication. Through this exhibit, the author wishes to instill this in the hearts of women, that what they wear can be more than just a daily necessity or tool to show off their bodies. In the example of the Egyptians, fashion can be a tool to communicate what is on the inside: values, practices, beliefs, fears, and dreams, while still being stylish. The Egyptian people made fashion a true art, and we have the blessing of still experiencing part of that today.
