(Sexuality in Ancient Egypt)
Throughout history we can find numerous texts and representations of a sexual nature in all the great cultures and civilizations and the Egyptian one could not be less.
In this opportunity we will investigate a little about the Erotic Papyrus of Turin (Reign of Ramses II 1279-1213 BC). This curious document was found in the village of workers of Deir-el-Medina, located near the famous valley of the kings in Egypt, and since its appearance has had a representative character because it is one of the most remarkable pieces of all Egyptian art , since it is considered one of the best documents to unravel the hidden sexual universe of ancient Egypt.
This manuscript is highlighted by the daring scenes of sexual character that develop in it, the variety of positions that we can contemplate has led to it being known as the Egyptian kamasutra, expressing how they conceived sexuality and eroticism in ancient Egypt.
The Papyrus is divided into two sections:
Satire: This side of the paper is by illustrations in which various animals in human attitudes, such as animals driving a car carrying a flock to the market, a hawk trying to climb a ladder to a tree in which there is a hippopotamus; a fortress guarded by cats is attacked by the rats of a mouse leader ..., an ass plays the harp, a lion the lyre, a crocodile the lute, a monkey plays the double flute ...
Erotic: Composed of 12 sexual postures that take place in a brothel in Thebes. The prostitutes have sexual relations worthy of a tightrope walker. A bearded man with the typical Egyptian short skirt meeting the woman who is described in detail and a great sense of humor.
The scenes reflect sexual positions of great variety, bordering on the caricature, although that does not detract from the great artistic quality with which they are represented, drawings of great beauty and dynamism, whether we analyze the illustrations individually or if we do its entirety
Despite its erotic-humorous component, it is still a faithful reflection of the culture of Egyptian civilization, reflecting some of the most common characteristics of its artistic representations. Acquire the elements associated with beauty and personal care such as wigs, perfumes, makeup, lotus flowers, tattoos and a chest for cosmetics.
It should be noted that this papyrus was long hidden and that many Egyptologists saw it as grotesque to be shown. The same is an image that develops in a brothel and represents the man with a large phallus and women in almost contortionist positions. The use of the lotus flower is of clear sexual symbolism and in ancient times it was used as a stimulating psychotropic.
Its meaning remains a mystery to this day, and its importance lies in the fact that it is a direct document that tells us about how Egyptians conceived sexuality and eroticism more than 2000 years ago. He is currently in the Egizio Museum in Turin, Italy.
"Thanks for reading, this topic is very interesting and very few people know this ancient discovery in depth."
Thanks for sharing. Fascinating piece of history.
For some reason we like to think humanity, especially historical humanity, is some pure, unerotic, and sterile thing. Yet, they were just like us with the same underlying drives.
thanks for your fascinating comment! in the particular I like I like a lot to read about the old world. There are many extraordinary stories. @somethingsubtle
This a very comprehensive and interesting article about this topic. I love all things about ancient Egypt, all the minutiae of daily life of that period etc. Thanks.
Thank you for reading. I also like ancient Egypt a lot. thank you very much! @sansoncarrasco
Great article, informative and extremely interesting! The Egyptian civilization was not the only civilization to embrace human sexuality. The ancient Greeks believed that sexuality and love were connected with the creation of the earth (ΓΑΙΑ), the heavens (ΟΥΡΑΝΟΣ), and the underworld ( ΑΔΗΣ). Before the expansion of the monotheistic religions, sexuality and love were part of everyday life.
Excellent comment @npatou, no doubt the ancient civilizations are very relevant in terms of expressions of love, eroticism and sexuality that go hand with believing in their deities.