Description
Book SynopsisIn The Representations of Women in the Middle Kingdom Tombs of Officials Ľubica Hudáková offers an in-depth analysis of female iconography in the decorative programme of Middle Kingdom non-royal tombs, highlighting changes and innovations in comparison to the Old Kingdom. Previously considered too uniform, the study represents the first systematic investigation of two-dimensional images of women and reveals their variability in space and time. Hudáková examines the roles appointed to women by analyzing how they are depicted in a variety of contexts. Taking into account their postures, gestures, garments, hairstyles, size of the body, age as well as attributes and tools used by them, along with the scene orientation, she traces diachronic and diatopic developments and regional traditions in the Middle Kingdom tomb decoration.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations 1 Introduction 1.1 The Tomb and Its Decorative Programme as a Source of Analysis 2 The Scope and Purpose of the Study 2.1 Period 2.2 Monuments 2.3 Old versus Middle Kingdom 2.4 Terminology 2.5 Selection of Scenes and Methodology 3 State of Research 3.1 Studies on Women 3.2 Position of Women in the Ancient Egyptian Society and Their Occupations 3.3 Women in the Art of the Old Kingdom 4 Women in Crafts and Trades 4.1 Linen Production—Spinning and Weaving 5 Women in Marsh-Related Activities 5.1 Women Accompanying the Tomb Owner in the Course of Fowling with the Throw-Stick and Spear-Fishing 5.2 Women Accompanying the Tomb Owner in the Course of Fowling with the Clapnet 5.3 Women as Active Fishers and Fowlers 6 Women in Agriculture 6.1 Cultivation of Grain 7 Women in Food Preparation 7.1 Bread-Making and Brewing 8 Women and Crime 8.1 Rendering Accounts 9 Women and Beauty Care 9.1 Hair-Dressing Scene 10 Women Accompanying the Tomb Owner 10.1 Women Accompanying the Tomb Owner in the Course of Mꜣꜣ 10.2 Women Accompanying the Tomb Owner in Other Contexts 10.3 Excursus: Singular Themes in the Tomb of Sarenput I (QH 36) 11 Women and Games, Dance, and Music 11.1 Games and Acrobatic Exercises 11.2 Dance and Festivities 11.3 Music 12 Women in the Burial Procession 12.1 Female Mourners 13 Summary and Concluding Remarks Bibliography Index
