Gender and the Religion of Ancient Egypt

Abstract

This article will address the issue of gender within the framework of ancient Egyptian religion. Two primary areas of importance will be explored; the role of gender in the divine world, and the role of gender for the practitioners of the religion. The religion of ancient Egypt was especially concerned with aspects of gender because of their focus on fertility and spiritual rebirth, concepts which were often expressed using gendered language and visual metaphors. The second part of the article explores the ways in which women negotiated the primarily male dominated religious hierarchy. The practice of Egyptian religion was also affected because of the gender roles that men and women played in their society. The temple was not simply a religious edifice, but also had administrative aspects that women were normally excluded from. This did not mean women were excluded from meaningful participation in the cult, but rather they forged an identity based on providing music for the cult in various ways.

Personal Piety in Ancient Egypt

“…Both archaeological and written sources reflect the existence and practice of a personal religion by both men and women. Given the fact that the vast majority of written sources was authored by men, since female literacy, although not absent in Egyptian sources (Bryan ), was not as widespread and high as male's, and that images were largely produced by male members of the elite, the picture we get of Egyptian personal piety and religious practice is influenced by gender issues of both ancient and modern times (Onstine , p. 1). Starting with the overview of the written sources, it must at first be pointed out that among the numerous private stelae of Deir el‐Medina, only a few were donated by women .…”

“…Chantresses ( shemayt ) and female singers ( hesyt ), involved in the cult of single deities (i.e. Mut: Onstine , p. 7), possibly accompanying the recitation of hymns, were nearly the only women who could actively take part in the divine cult during the New Kingdom (1069–664 BC), because music was an essential part of the cult (Onstine , p. 6–7). This development came after women are attested in the older times with priestly titles (Onstine , pp.…”

“…5‐6). After the 22nd Dynasty (945–715 BC), the frequency of female musicians declines, although they are still attested in the divine cult alongside the ‘God's wife of Amun’ (Ayad ), a female priest set within the cult of Amun that acquired strong political relevance especially during the Late Period (Onstine , pp. 7–8).…”

Creating Through Mind and Emotions

“…Their beliefs were held, retold, and commemorated through depictions of them communicating and interacting with the gods, especially in temples they constructed to honor them (Frankfort, 1969). This connection to a religious identity was common, as religion and politics were not distinct, meaning as one identified with a deity and its cult, ultimately, they belonged to a 'party' with a specific agenda (Onstine, 2010).…”

“…Connection to religion was a distinguishing factor of class as well. It was not possible to escape the association to religion even in death (Onstine, 2010). This would have made living an unconven tional life inconvenient and uncomfortable.…”