Archaeological Evidence for the Religious and Secular Use of Gloves in Ancient Egypt from the Old Kingdom until the Late Period

Shehab, Naglaa Fathy Ahmed

doi:10.21608/ijhth.2022.250786

Archaeological Evidence for the Religious and Secular Use of Gloves in Ancient Egypt from the Old Kingdom until the Late Period

Document Type : Original Research Articles

Author

Naglaa Fathy Ahmed Shehab

10.21608/ijhth.2022.250786

Abstract

Gloves have been widely conserved in museum collections, reflecting our understanding of their historical significance. Gloves were used by ancient Egyptians since the Old Kingdom. Gloves were widely used by the ancient Egyptians for various purposes. They were used as a tool in the purification process, as well as fishing and fowling trips. Furthermore, it was used for protection, adornment and as a part of official ceremonial clothing or as a kind of reward in the Amarna period. In addition to being used as a hand decoration on coffins of the Late Period. This paper aims to shed light on gloves in ancient Egypt from the Old Kingdom until the Late Period, in the light of the archaeological evidence: texts, scenes, coffins and extant pairs of gloves. Twelve models of gloves will be presented and analysed. The type of gloves will be studied either for kings or individuals. Furthermore, the research defines the glove feature in ancient Egypt by defining the concept of religious or secular usage, Material, and manufacturing technique as shown through Tutankhamun's most iconic gloves, and ultimately, how did scenes and models of gloves help in the discovery and identification of their many shapes.

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