Gender and Political Powerin Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

Gender and Political Power in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

Gender and political power can vary significantly depending on the period of time and culture being examined. These differences can influence the type of art being created. Two cultures that will be examined in this essay are Egypt and Mesopotamia. Specifically, this essay will explore how power is depicted in both these cultures, how gender affects this power, and how the people of these cultures allowed it to influence their artwork. Pieces from both cultures that display gender and political power include the Hatshepsut Sphinx from Egypt and King Ashurbanipal II Hunting Lions from Mesopotamia.

Political Power and Gender in Ancient Egypt

In Egypt, around the time Hatshepsut was ruling, gender and politics had changed drastically. Hatshepsut became the first female pharaoh, a role traditionally dominated by men. Before her reign, women's roles in Egypt were largely defined by their relationships to men, particularly the king. Women in power were often addressed as "king's mother," "king's wife," "king's daughter," etc. Although the king's daughters had the potential to become queens, they did not receive the same iconography and praise associated with being a king. Initially, Egypt was ruled by male gods, later transitioning to human kings who were seen as divinely chosen. The king was believed to be the only one who could perform the necessary rituals to maintain the universe's order (Gardiner, 1964).

However, this all changed when Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh. After the death of her husband/brother Thutmose II and with her son Thutmose III too young to rule, she saw an opportunity for dual kingship. From then on, Hatshepsut and Thutmose III ruled together, but Hatshepsut was more recognized and clearly the dominant ruler. At the beginning of her reign, Hatshepsut was depicted with feminine features, such as a thin waist and breasts, and her paintings often showed her with paler skin. As her reign progressed, her image became more masculinized, with darker skin, more muscular features, and even a false beard (Tyldesley, 1996). This evolution in her depiction reflects the complexities of gender and power in ancient Egypt, where a female ruler was portrayed with male characteristics to assert her authority.

Political Power and Gender in Ancient Mesopotamia

In Mesopotamia, men were treated as superior to women, who were often confined to roles such as wives, mothers, and housekeepers. Men, on the other hand, could be farmers, slave owners, warriors, and kings. Only men had the right to engage in politics, which further elevated their power and authority. In Mesopotamia, power was conveyed through kingship. King Ashurbanipal demonstrated his power through his military prowess, completing numerous successful conquests. His power was displayed through his large palace adorned with relics depicting his military triumphs (Heidel, 1963). He used his power to secure his empire and prevent invasions. The king, as the representative of the god Assur, symbolized order, with his rule bringing peace, tranquility, and justice, while areas outside his control were seen as chaotic. The king's duty to bring order to the world justified military expansion (Saggs, 1962).

In conclusion, both ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia offer fascinating insights into how gender and political power were intertwined and depicted in their cultures. The art from these regions serves as a testament to the complex interplay of power dynamics and gender roles, with figures like Hatshepsut and Ashurbanipal leaving lasting legacies through their rule and representation in art.

References

Gardiner, A. (1964). Egypt of the Pharaohs: An Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Heidel, A. (1963). The Babylonian Genesis: The Story of Creation. University of Chicago Press.

Saggs, H. W. F. (1962). The Greatness That Was Babylon. Sidgwick & Jackson.

Tyldesley, J. (1996). Hatchepsut: The Female Pharaoh. Viking Penguin.