Silent Images: Women in Pharaonic Egypt

by Zahi Hawass

This beautifully produced new paperback edition of Silent Images explores a puzzling contradiction: Despite the multitude of artifacts and texts that have come to us from ancient Egypt, much still remains obscure regarding the lives of women. Women were, from the historical perspective, silent―but how should this silence be interpreted? What was the reality of women’s lives behind the standardized images? We know that their chief role in society as mothers and anchors of the family was honored and respected, although it meant a degree of segregation and, in most periods, excluded them from public office. Nevertheless, in law they were the equals of men and they could, and did, own property, which they administered and disposed of themselves. Zahi Hawass’s book searches for a more realistic picture of women’s lives in ancient Egypt. As well as reconsidering the evidence from tomb and temple, the author draws on unpublished material from his excavations at the workers’ cemetery at Giza, which sheds light on the womenfolk of the workmen who built and maintained the pyramids. The text is complemented by lavish illustrations of places and objects, many made especially for this book.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Egypt, Egyptology, Photography, Feminism, Archaeology

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and thorough delve into the role, representation, and lives of women in Pharaonic Egypt. I am glad to have this work in my collection!

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

The photos in this book were largely beautiful and brought Ancient Egypt to life. However, I found the text itself to be dull and at times repetitive. Also, I felt that there was no comfortable flow to the book, which was part of the cause of repetition. Some of the things discussed seemed placed there to bulk up the book rather than to really add anything to the intended purpose of the book--to shed light on the lives of women in Ancient Egypt. Perhaps the lack of information overall lead to the flaws in the book. I think there could have been more significant background material provided when detailing particular women in history, the summaries felt forced and left me with no true feeling of the women he was discussing. Also, I could not help but get the impression that not only is Hawass very proud of his Egyptian heritage, but perhaps nearly in an arrogant sort of way. Although whether he has true proof of his heritage dating back to Ancient Egypt is unknown to me, but the likelihood is slim considering all of the many foreigners which have conquered the land since. But I digress, he is one of the best Egyptologists...even if it may have gone to his head.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book. I like, so many others, have had a lifetime fascination with Ancient Egypt and have read many many books about it over the last forty years. I always learn something new with each book and that is especially true with this book. It so satisfyingly treats with everyday existence, domestic arrangements of regular people , personal religious practice and even cooking, clothing and make-up. Great illustrations, nice dynasty chart and a bibliography ripe for mining for further reads. Highly recommend!

[J. Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a little at a time in the evenings so I can digest and savor the history Hawass spells out for the reader.

I found this book online at Barnes and Noble for a deal. Amazon.com (my favorite place to shop) is pretty pricy. But if you can find it at a reasonable price, its a pretty awesome read... if you're into that factual stuff like me. The writting is colorful and definetly not text-book dry that you expect from history books. Very good look at the ancient society through the women who once lived it.

[J.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there's little new provided in the text, the illustrations are glorious. Written by one of my favorite archaeologists.

[Silvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice book for women in ancient egypt