What did Egyptian girls wear?

Ancient Egyptian girls wore a variety of clothing depending on their age and social status. During the Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BC), young girls typically wore a simple linen sheath dress called a kalasiris, which was usually ankle-length and had wide shoulder straps. This dress was often belted at the waist and could be decorated with colored trim. As they grew older, girls might begin wearing a more elaborate version of the kalasiris, with longer sleeves, a higher neckline, and more intricate decoration.

During the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC), girls began wearing a type of dress called a yelek, which was a shorter, sleeveless tunic that was worn over the kalasiris. The yelek could be made of linen or cotton and was often decorated with colorful patterns or embroidery. Girls from wealthy families might also wear a long, flowing robe called a melha over the yelek. The melha was made of fine linen or cotton and was often adorned with beads, sequins, and other embellishments.

In addition to dresses, Egyptian girls also wore a variety of accessories, such as jewelry, head coverings, and sandals. Jewelry was often made of gold, silver, and semi-precious stones, and could include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets. Head coverings ranged from simple scarves to elaborate headdresses, and sandals were made of leather or papyrus.

The clothing worn by Egyptian girls was not only functional, but also had symbolic significance. For example, the kalasiris was often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence, while the yelek and melha were seen as symbols of fertility and adulthood. The jewelry and head coverings worn by girls also had specific meanings, and were often used to indicate a girl's social status and religious beliefs.