Why did ancient Egyptians wear wigs?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the cultural and practical reasons behind the ancient Egyptians' practice of wearing wigs, which may include aspects of hygiene, status, and fashion in their society.
Answer
To signal social rank, protect shaven scalps, and reduce lice.
Ancient Egyptians wore wigs primarily to signal high rank in their social hierarchy, protect their shaven scalps from the sun, and maintain hygiene by reducing the incidence of head lice.
Answer for screen readers
Ancient Egyptians wore wigs primarily to signal high rank in their social hierarchy, protect their shaven scalps from the sun, and maintain hygiene by reducing the incidence of head lice.
More Information
Wigs also helped in maintaining ritual purity, as suggested by their use among priests. They were often made from human hair, wool, or plant fibers.
Sources
- Why did ancient Egyptians wear wigs? - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 10 Fun Facts About Ancient Egyptian Wigs - KidsAncientEgypt.com - egyptabout.com
- Hair and Makeup in Ancient Egypt | Curationist - curationist.org