Childbirth Flashcards
1
Q
How did they give birth in Egypt
A
woman gave birth squatting on bricks
2
Q
Stele dedicated to Meretseger
A
- Snake god – “the one who loves silence”
- Person complains about bad treatment from goddess
- Makes parallel to woman giving birth on bricks to emphasize his pain
3
Q
Royal residence of Wah-Sut: Painted Birth Brick
A
Creatures match creatures in magic wand
o Wand to use as protection during pregnancy
o All creatures protect sun god and are there to protect child
o Prob used to create circle around mother during childbirth for protection
* Poles are protective figures
Two moments portrayed
o The birth giving and after birth
o Showing the birth went well
4
Q
Westcar papyrus: Cheops and The Magician
A
- New kingdom papyrus but text goes back to old kingdom
- About Redjedjedet, wife of priest of Ra giving birth to Ra’s children
- Ra sends Isis, Nephthys, Meskhenet, and Heqet to assist
- Isis – front, Nephthys – behind, Heqet – Hastened delivery by massaging belly
- gods change clothes to Khneret before going - saying they know the secret of birth
5
Q
Breastfeeding Cups
A
- Fierce creatures represented, fighter haha with snake in hand
- Many found in graves since death is a new birth
- Was found in basket next to a tomb
- Other texts show bricks may have also been used after birt