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Traditional Hand Crafts of Egypt

Published by Robert Thomson | June 24th 2009 | Views:

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Early Egyptians were driven by gaining favor with the Gods and preparing for the afterlife. Early Egyptian arts and crafts developed as a medium to delight and honor the Gods rather than as a way to make functional items for daily use. In ancient Egypt, gifted artisans were exalted members of the royal hierarchy and their art was very much in demand by pharaoh and the aristocracy. When we think of Egyptian art, we think of the pyramids, Sphinx and reserves of King Tut's tomb. These are all astounding examples of traditional Egyptian artistry. But the early Egyptians had other abilities as well. Many of these traditional arts and crafts are still practiced today just as they were in pharaoh's time. The tools, skills and secrets have been passed down from generation to generation. Few of the major crafts are mentioned here.

Egyptian Mother of Pearl: Since 4500 BC, ancient Egyptians used mother of pearl as a personal ornament to make themselves more pleasing to the Gods. Pieces of these ornaments, made of inlaid mother of pearl and silver, still exists till date. This is made from the inner lining of shells like conch or of oyster pearls. A popular item these days is the crochet necklace or bracelet of layered pearls and beads on a crocheted foundation. Inlaid mother of pearl jewelry boxes made of wood or metal are another popular Egyptian handcraft. Made of abalone shell mother of pearl, hundreds of finely cut pieces are handset into wood or m onto the foot with leather ties, while panels of gilded leather work appear in some of the tombs. One of the earliest examples of Egyptian leather work is a 980 BC canopy of appliqued leather. And the Egyptian Mathematical Leather Roll, depicting a table of fraction expansions, dates from the Middle Kingdom period. Egyptian artists now offer us economical and practical leather products like wallets, boxes, jackets, cigarette cases, shoes, bags, even dog collars, some accented with gold leaf.

Egyptian Glass Work: Early Egyptians originally used faience, made of quartz, to make glass beads and other ornate glass, but the work evolved with methods like core, wound and mosaic. Opaque glass beads as early as 2160 BC were created to simulate precious stones like lapis, lazuli and turquoise. Along with beads were amulets to assist the wearer with finding his/her way in the afterlife. Hand-blown glass vessels do not emerge until the rule of Tuthmosis I in the New Kingdom, and early glass vessels were made by captured slaves from the Middle East for exclusive use by Pharaoh and his court. These days, Egyptian glass vessels are available to everyone. Handmade, hand painted perfume bottles are exquisite, bringing to mind the mystery and magic of Arabian Nights. There are also beautiful glass blown candleholders, vases and flasks. These unique vessels, in elegant colors and designs, resemble precious antiques.


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