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Egyptian Furniture | Spring 2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Many factors shaped the lifestyles of ancient cultures, including
the types of furnishings one would have used. Wood was scarce.
Ancient cultures had limited access to building supplies except those
provided through trading or which were available in their local surroundings.
Nearby cultures influenced the lifestyles and vice versa. The level of stature
in a community (ie, position and wealth) decided the quality and comfort of
the person's lifestyle.
Ancient homes were sparsely furnished. One would have a trunk, usually
alabaster or wood, that would contain everything from food to clothes. There
might be a straw or hay-filled mattress and perhaps a folding cot for guests.
Everything was done on the floor -- cooking, writing, reading, etc. There
usually were no tables. Scribes would write things on a piece of board (similar
to modern day clipboards). There usually were no chairs. Special chairs or
cots were reserved for guests.
A clay oven was used for baking. Jars were used for cooking and holding things.
People had plates and cups. The wealthy had everything painted in gold and silver.
The poorer people had their furniture painted to look more expensive and interesting.
Walls may have been decorated with rugs or linens. There may have
been a rug or two on the floors. The wealthy, however, had more funrishings including
a nice bed with a firm mattress, chairs and tables, etc. The pharaoh's furnishings
were almost always accented with gold, precious stones, and richly carved details
such as little lions or the mask of the pharaoh himself. The king would have fine
tables, cabinets, beds, etc.
References: Furnishings of Tutankhamen Ancient Egyptian Furniture | |||