Cat Lumb

The Predynastic Period of Ancient Egypt is a fascinating era of Egyptian history, yet little is known about this preliterate society. Evidence is split between the settlement remains of Lower Egypt and the cemeteries of Upper Egypt, giving us a skewed view. However, by examining the different type of evidence in these realms I hope to provide an impression of women in Predynastic Egypt.

To this end I shall explore the various depictions of women in Predynastic culture, such as the pottery figurines, as well as the appearance of women on the decorated pottery. Such evidence may allow a glimpse into a veneration for women that began early in Egyptian history and resulted in the goddesses of Dynastic times. I will also scrutinise the mortuary status of women in comparison to men in order to see what this might reveal about the women's roles. Certainly at Abydos women's graves appear to be wealthier than men's, and at Hierakonpolis the first evidence of mummification attempts are upon females. By gathering and presenting the above information regarding women I hope to be able to provide a suggestion regarding the nature of women during the Predynastic era of Egypt.

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