A NCI EN T EGY P T IA N CUL T UR E
Carissa Hanley / fash 247 / final project
Around 3000 BCE in the Nile River Valley, Egypt started to flourish and become the empire it is known as today. Egypt managed to become one of the most dominant civilizations of our ancient history. Empowered by advanced technology, access to the precious metals and gems, and culture of nobles and royalty who appreciated luxury and rarity. They soon become the leading force of jewelry manufacture and creators of trends that will live forever.
Moments that defined the start of Egypt rise in jewelry production was the discovery of the gold and the ways to easily collect it from available riverbeds around 5 thousand years ago. This enabled Egyptians to collect vast quantities of gold which was viewed as perfect material for creation of elaborate jewelry designs. Starting with Predynastic Egypt, golden jewelry quickly became symbol of status, power and religion. In addition to gold and the materials that could be commonly found in Egypt, many other materials were imported from surrounding territories (such as silver and semiprecious stones like lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turqouise which was used as one of the most favorite materials for production of famous Egyptian Scarab ornament).
The use of motifs in drawings, sculpturing and jewelry was abundant. They were important symbols that were relevant of surroundings and signified a god or an action. Scarab - beetle, represented the sun god and rebirth. Raised Cobra - Uraeus, meant godlike, symbol of lower Egypt Vulture - symbol of unification, symbol of upper Egypt. Eye of Horus - stylized human eye, symbol of the moon
Inspiration
Process
FINAL
Ancient Egyptian clothing and fashion has influenced and still influences desginers today. Through colors, motifs, and design. It is a relenant historical period because it helped shaped design and technology then and what we know today. In the movies and down the runway- Egypt is everywhere and will continue to be the bases of inspiration for collections to come.
A NCI EN T EGY P T