Nubian wig
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Ancient Egyptian society, hair was an embodiment of identity. It could carry religious and erotic significance and portray information about gender, age, and social status.[1] During the New Kingdom, more elaborate hairstyles for men and women, incorporating curls and plaits, began to be favored over the traditional, simple hairstyles of the Old and Middle Kingdoms.[2]
Nubian wigs, which Ancient Egyptians grew fond of during the Amarna period, were meant to mimic the short curly hair that Nubian tribespeople wore.[3][4] Egyptologists believe that the Nubian wig was adopted by Queen Nefertiti after witnessing the hairstyle being worn by Nubians in the Pharaoh's army.[5] Though there has been a discussion on what qualifies as a Nubian wig, some arguing layered wigs known as "duplex" styles that include curls and plaits may also be Nubian wigs. Still, many refer to this as a Nubian style and not a Nubian wig.[4]
In general, wigs in Ancient Egypt were almost entirely confined to the elite due to their price. Even when wigs were made of inexpensive materials like plant fibers, the sophisticated craftsmanship required to make wigs proved costly.[2][6]
One can see Nubian wigs in the form of reliefs, statues, and paintings. They are a prime factor in determining the gender of figures in Ancient Egyptian art, as royal women exclusively wear them.[7] It is characterized by its short bushy appearance with rows of curls that frame the brow and sides of the face. The feature that requires the most attention is located on the neck.[7] In Nubian wigs, the hair is cut to expose the nape of the neck, which distinguishes it from a similar headdress where the nape of the neck is not exposed, and the hair falls towards the shoulders. Royal men exclusively wear this alternative style and can be seen in the left image titled Walk in the Garden.[7]
