Folded Threads and Sacred Forms: Pleating Techniques in Ancient Egypt
Pleated linen is one of the most visually arresting features of ancient Egyptian dress—seen on statues of queens, tomb paintings of priests, and even garments preserved in royal tombs. But how were these iconic pleats made, and how have they survived for thousands of years? This article explores the...
Blending Ancient Styles: The Historical Plausibility of an Egyptian-Palmyrene Ensemble
Throughout history, fashion has been more than just a means of clothing oneself—it has been a reflection of culture, trade, conquest, and identity. As someone who has long portrayed an ancient Egyptian persona at historical reenactment events, I have often sought ways to deepen my understanding of historical dress...
Egyptian Fish Amulet | 12th Dynasty, 1900–1800 BCE
This beautiful gold and green feldspar amulet represents the nekhau fish—what we now call the Nile tilapia. In ancient Egypt, fish like this symbolized regeneration and were worn by children (especially girls) as protective charms against drowning. They were often braided into a child’s sidelock, believed to ward off...
Middle Kingdom Woman, Striding into the Afterlife
Wood, painted | ca. 1950–1900 BCE From Meir and West Thebes Now at the Neues Museum, Germany This gorgeous wooden statue was made over 3,900 years ago—not as a decoration, but as a backup body for someone’s soul in the afterlife. She’s dressed in a painted sheath dress, tight...
Interpreting the Past with Care: Understanding Exegesis and Eisegesis
What happens when we look at a historical source and see ourselves reflected back?That question has been sitting with me for a while, especially after a thoughtful lunch conversation with my Laurel and two close friends, Gigi and Jess. We found ourselves discussing how often modern perspectives unintentionally reshape...
Interpreting the Past: Are We Listening, or Projecting?
By Anela Abdel-Rahman, PsyD Egyptologist, Native Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner (Known in the SCA as: Talia bint al-Athir, OP- Kingdom of An Tir) I. Introduction When studying the past—whether through academic research, historical reenactment, or building a persona for an event like those in the Society for Creative Anachronism—how we...
Portraying Cultures of Color in the SCA: A Thoughtful Guide for the Curious and Committed
One of the most rewarding aspects of the SCA is the opportunity to explore the diverse tapestry of global history—rich with stories, traditions, and legacies that span far beyond medieval Europe. For those drawn to portraying cultures of color, the journey can be both deeply fulfilling and full of...
So You Want to Study and Portray a Culture of Color in the SCA? Let’s Talk!
By Dame Talia bint al-Athir, OP Kingdom of An Tir (Anela Abdel-Rahman, PsyD) Native Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner, Hawaii Cultural Ambassador, Egyptologist Board of Directors, Costumers of Color Portraying a culture of color in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)- especially one that is underrepresented- can be both deeply rewarding...
From Flax to Fabric: Linen in Ancient Egypt
By Talia bint al-Athir, OP, CB, Kingdom of An Tir East Wall Painting from Tomb Of Sennedjem. 1306 -1290 Bc Contextual Overview The production of linen in ancient Egypt was a highly developed and crucial part of the society’s economy and daily life. Each step, from planting flax to...
From Art to Archeology: Decoding the purpose of Egyptian Head Cones
by Talia bint al-Athir, OP, CB, Kingdom of An Tir Ancient Egyptian head cones, depicted as white or cream-colored objects placed atop the heads of individuals in various scenes, have long intrigued historians and archaeologists. These conical objects are shown in artistic representations from banquets to funerary rituals, often...