Ancient Egyptian Priestess of Hathor
Part 3 of 3 of my Ancient Egypt series.
The title is known to be given during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, and was at that point very powerful and prestigious. The mummies of the priestesses testify that they were decorated with a religious tattoo, covering the stomach around the area of the uterus. After the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, the title was often irregularly awarded the women of the royal family, typically princesses.
The rise, fall & extinction of the priestesses of Hathor are seen in ancient Egyptian culture. The women who wanted to become socially powerful usually took refuge in religion & took the charge of priesthood.
Ancient Egyptian society took women's empowerment much more loosely than ancient Greece & ancient Rome. There women were given the right to their own property. However, after becoming a priestess, a woman is seen not only as an important figure in ancient Egyptian society, but also a living symbol of divinity.
The priestesses of Hathor were called hm ntr hthr & they were one of the most respected people in Egypt. But After the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, the title was often irregularly awarded only to the women of the royal family, typically princesses. This includes the daughter of Ramesses II. At one time their names were completely erased from history.
Egyptologysts have shown that in early days only women of aristocratic lineage could be appointed to the priesthood of Hathor. They were called Badak-Purohit or God's Consort (Hmt nTr). They performed dances and songs during the sacred rites. Because of their menstruation and ability to give child-birth, they were considered unholy, which is why they could not perform sacred duties like dressing up the sacred image of deity.
Taken at the amazing Alexandria
Thankyou in advance for your support, faves, comments and awards!
I do appreciate you all ❤️
Ancient Egyptian Priestess of Hathor
Part 3 of 3 of my Ancient Egypt series.
The title is known to be given during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, and was at that point very powerful and prestigious. The mummies of the priestesses testify that they were decorated with a religious tattoo, covering the stomach around the area of the uterus. After the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, the title was often irregularly awarded the women of the royal family, typically princesses.
The rise, fall & extinction of the priestesses of Hathor are seen in ancient Egyptian culture. The women who wanted to become socially powerful usually took refuge in religion & took the charge of priesthood.
Ancient Egyptian society took women's empowerment much more loosely than ancient Greece & ancient Rome. There women were given the right to their own property. However, after becoming a priestess, a woman is seen not only as an important figure in ancient Egyptian society, but also a living symbol of divinity.
The priestesses of Hathor were called hm ntr hthr & they were one of the most respected people in Egypt. But After the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, the title was often irregularly awarded only to the women of the royal family, typically princesses. This includes the daughter of Ramesses II. At one time their names were completely erased from history.
Egyptologysts have shown that in early days only women of aristocratic lineage could be appointed to the priesthood of Hathor. They were called Badak-Purohit or God's Consort (Hmt nTr). They performed dances and songs during the sacred rites. Because of their menstruation and ability to give child-birth, they were considered unholy, which is why they could not perform sacred duties like dressing up the sacred image of deity.
Taken at the amazing Alexandria
Thankyou in advance for your support, faves, comments and awards!
I do appreciate you all ❤️