Representation of Pregnancy

Question 1

Queen Ahmes pregnant with Hatshepsut accompanied by
Khnum and Heqet

Answer 1

Northern part of temple shows sexual relation between Hatshepsut’s mother and Amun
* Rep. herself as the direct daughter of Amun
o Queen wears headrest rep. of queen mother
o Slightly plumped bell

Question 2

Hand-Modelled Female Figurines

Answer 2

• Folk art – art from nonprofessional artist
• Pregnant female bodies

Question 3

Pregnancy Flasks

Answer 3

Vases in form of female body
* Contained oil from a tree which may be used as lubrication during birth giving and pregnancy
* Has belt which sticks to genitals
o Understood to help prevent miscarriages
o To close the womb symbolically

Question 4

Magical Uterine Gem

Answer 4

• Made of hematite – stone for blood
• 3 divine images to give more power to the gem
• space is delimited by the ouroboros
• Uterus represented by vase, and small octopus which can move
• Uterus can be locked or unlocked for birth with key
• Gem used to open or close womb when ready or not

Question 5

What is the name of the singers/ dancers with balls in their hair who knows the secret of birth?

Answer 5

kheneret

Question 6

Mastaba of Mereruka: Song of Birth

Answer 6

Has a room dedicated to his wife, Vatetkhethor in his tomb
* 5 registers of dancing scenes with text
* Dancers bear white collar and may be singing
* They are ritualists and are performing a ritual
* The uterus is designated as a pot
* They address the 4 bricks of birth giving