the Egyptian tomb painting of Anubis assisting the dead really stood out to me. it stands out to me because the way he is preparing the tomb for the dead with its traditional ways.Gender roles in ancient Egypt were frequently linked to symbolic and functional roles rather than purely biological traits, as evidenced by the depiction of Anubis aiding the dead in Egyptian tomb paintings. Male deity Anubis is depicted carrying out protective and caring duties, such as preparing the dead for the afterlife, which may be regarded as caregiving responsibilities more commonly associated with women in many other cultures. This suggests that in Egyptian religion, gods.The importance of Anubis in assisting and guarding the departed on their trip to the afterlife was probably what the artist was attempting to convey. The picture highlights themes of care, order, and divine intervention by showing Anubis helping the deceased. This reflects the Egyptians' belief that the gods actively facilitated a peaceful transfer to the afterlife.I'd like to know more about how gender and roles were symbolically represented in Egyptian art, especially how Anubis and other deities were portrayed in protective or caring positions.

Tomb of Nefertiti, ca. 1255 BCE.

For the image I wished to inspect and talk about is the Tomb of Nefertiti, a particular detail that jumps out to me is the fact that not only is this another queen of Egypt but also that she is being welcomed. We've seen throughout a few stories and journals that women were not always welcomed in religious ceremonies. Or even in public, yet here the gods hold Queen Nefertiti in high regard, and it seems so did her subjects to create such a beautiful memorial (hieroglyphs) on her tomb.

This image could suggest that gender was understood to be equal, or at least not as diminished in value as many other societies. Gender was not placed in high importance; it was someone's capabilities, skills, and qualifications that weighed to who they were as a person.

I believe the artist was trying to communicate love on this piece, not in the way of affection but love as in high regard and respect. With how deatile it is, colorful, delicately drawn so as not to miss a stroke. Time was put into the piece, and love is putting time into someone or something.

I would like to find out more about how hieroglyphs were made, how Queen Nefertiti lived, and if they truly thought of her as great since I believe she was off this and her other artworks. 

Egypt Nobleman and his wife, Egypt, Old Kingdom 

I choose this image because I feel like it represents some of the ideas in the article on “Women in Ancient Egyptian Wisdom Literature”. Part of obtaining Maat, or the balance in life Egyptians sought was by having a happy marriage. The images in the statue look content and happy. Part of the structure of a good Egyptian marriage according to the article was a good wife, with a good disposition, who honored her husband. The female here is situated behind the male, which also represents the ideal nature of a family in ancient Egypt. A woman could be head of the household in terms of the domestic duties and responsibilities, but the male was the titular head of the family and was the authority in the home. The female is also gently touching the male's arm. These small signs of supplication demonstrate the hierarchy thought to exist in ancient Egypt. Like most sources of information about the ancient world these statues represent the noble class, and the dynamics would be different between common people. Common people would rely more on each other for survival with both the male and female probably needing to work to make the family survive. I wonder how that increased reliance on each other may have changed the dynamic in a marriage. From what we read it does seem that ancient Egyptians’ valued order, and structure, and their society favored males even if it afforded agency to women. 

Hatshepsut's statue, which depicts her in a conventional male pharaoh robe and headpiece, raises issues regarding her status as a female monarch in ancient Egyptian society. This approach to gender implies the Egyptians valued the pharaoh's authority over the ruler's gender, allowing for fluid portrayal. The artist most likely wanted to convey Hatshepsut's authority and legitimate seat on the throne by linking her with previous rulers and confirming her rank. More research is needed to comprehend Hatshepsut's contemporaries' perceptions of her rule and artistic choices, as well as other examples of rejecting or altering traditional gender standards.

In Nefertiti’s image what stands out to me is the necklace she has on, her long neck, the tall crown, and the confidence in her look. What the image suggests in relation to gender is how women looks powerful and like she's from royalty. The way her head and neck stand out and the accessories she's wearing, gives the impression that she is in charge or in a position of power. I think the artist is trying to show Nefertiti's wisdom and beauty, she looks calm and confident and like she is a respected women in her time. I would like to learn more about how they were able to make this bust and what they used to make color. 

For this week response I chose the Nobleman and his wife, Egypt, Old Kingdom. While looking at the image I noticed the wife is side by side with her husband holding onto his arm.  I feel the image is probably suggesting since the wife is holding onto her husband he is the protector of the household, men’s are usually know for being a provider and protector which is why I believe the image is trying to suggest about the Egyptian. One could agree that the artist with this sculpture was trying to show how the husband and wife probably viewed each other equally with them being side by side; but also she feels safe and protected by holding onto him. I would love to learn more about the marriage in ancient Egyptian and the role the men and women played in. 

The image I picked was the statue of Nefertiti's bust. The details that jumped out to me were The elegant and elongated neck, combined with the perfectly symmetrical facial features, which stands out immediately. Nefertiti’s headpiece is distinct, with its unique tall, flat-topped blue crown, symbolizing her royal status. Her serene expression and detailed eye makeup emphasize her beauty, suggesting that the artist aimed to depict her as an idealized representation of feminine grace and power. Regarding Gender, The bust portrays Nefertiti with traditionally feminine features—smooth skin, delicately arched brows, and a refined nose. In ancient Egypt, the depiction of queens and female figures often emphasized beauty, fertility, and grace, alongside symbols of power. Nefertiti’s depiction as a powerful and divine figure, adorned with a royal headdress, challenges typical gender roles of the period by presenting her as an influential leader, almost equal in status to the pharaoh. The artist was trying to portray both Nefertiti’s divine beauty and her status as a powerful queen. It would be fascinating to explore the influence Nefertiti had during her lifetime, especially her role in the religious changes initiated by Akhenaten.

The image I picked was the statue of the bust of Nefertiti, the great royal wife of Egypt Pharaoh Akhenaten. The detail in particular that stood out to me was the realism the statue captures of Nefertiti’s beauty. You can see all the realistic features of a woman, including what appears to be makeup. Her head crown also depicts many details displaying a range of colors and designs on the head piece. What I think the image suggest in relation to gender amongst the Egyptians is the way they capture the beauty of Nefertiti in the statue is to show their admiration of women’s beauty in the artistic sense. I also think the details in her crown was also to essentially display her royalty as an elite at this time which separates her from the average citizen. What I would like to find out more about is the more about the story of Nefertiti and what she may have contributed to ancient Egypt.

The image I have chosen for this week's response is the painting of the jackal-headed God Anubis assisting the dead for their passage into the afterlife. I have chosen this painting as it symbolizes the emphasis the ancient Egyptians put on the mummification process (for those who could afford it). After death, the soul would have to face various trials and tribulations in the underworld before they can finally have their hearts weighed on Anubis' scale. This determines whether they can reach the afterlife of Aaru/Field of Reeds or oblivion, by having their souls eaten by Ammit, a monster with the head of a crocodile, the front legs of a lion, and the backside of a hippopotamus.

In the image I chose, the jewelry and the clothing of the pharaoh and queen jump out at me. Even without an explanation, it’s obvious that the couple holds a position of great power. Their colors and accessories are typical of royal families and the wealthy. Both individuals wore similar clothing, and the man was dressed in expensive attire and jewelry, suggesting they were seen as equals. I believe this image attempts to illustrate a special moment between the Pharaoh and his queen. The artist seems to convey a sense of mutual respect, as indicated by the queen’s hand on the Pharaoh’s shoulder, which may represent a loyal partnership. I would like to find out more about women in the royal families. I see it is a completely different relationship compared to Athens. I wonder what roles royal women in ancient Egypt had.

I chose the 2 female statues of Queen Nefertiti and Hatshepsut. I believe they show a great power of Gender and Power.

Female Rulership: Ancient Egypt had female rulers such as Hatshepsut and cleopatra VII, Which indicates that women cold hold significant political and religious power.This contrast with many other ancient civilizations where women had more limited roles governance.

Divine Femininity: Female deities ,such as Isis, Hathor and Ma'at were highly revered and had central roles in religious and mythological traditions.These goddesses represented powerful and respected aspects of femininity , nurturing ,fertility, justice and motherhood.

Royal Imagery : Pharaohs ,Whether male or female ,were often portrayed similarly in statues and artwork .signifying a recognition of their shared power.Female pharaohs like Hatshepsut ,for instance ,were depicted wearing the same regalia as male Pharaoh's ,Including the false beard ,Which Symbolizes their authority.