Music and dance in ancient Egypt | Types of Ancient Egyptian Dance
Music and dance in ancient Egypt played a significant role in daily life as they played a significant role in religious ceremonies. In this article, we will talk about our sources concerning the music and dance in ancient Egypt. Meanwhile, the musical instruments in ancient Egyptian civilization. Also, the role of the culture changes in shaping the music of ancient Egypt. Finally, the different types of vocal music in ancient Egypt.
Our Sources about music and dance in ancient Egypt
- Pottery jar from the Predynastic Period, Naqada(4000-3200BC), female figures dancing with upraised arms
- Tomb dating to the end of the 4th Dynasty, Old Kingdom
- BASOR Tomb 183 at Beni Hassan, 12th Dynasty
- Beni Hassan tombs, Al Miya, Middle Kingdom, East bank of the Nile River
- The Tomb of Khety, son of Baqet in Al Minya
- The solar temple of Niuserra in Abu Ghurab, Old Kingdom
- Tutankhamun tomb, New Kingdom, Luxor
- Tomb of Nehmes Bastet, Valley of the Kings, Luxor west bank, 22nd Dynasty (945-712 B.C.), Third Intermediate Period
- The funerary chapel of Reia, 19th Dynasty
- Tomb of Nebamun, 1350 B.C, New Kingdom
- Tomb of the flutist Ipi in Dahshur from 2600 BCE
- Opet Festival scenes from the Red Chapel of Hatshepsut, Karnak
- Tutankhamen scenes in the Temple of Luxor
- Tombs of Nobles in the New Kingdom
Gods and Goddesses connected to the music and dance in ancient Egypt
- Hathor
However, the goddess of love, music, fun, and motherhood. She was always depicted as a woman with the two horns above her head and Sistrums in her hand.
As a god of agriculture and fertility, was connected to the music and dance in ancient Egypt especially during the flood season.
- Bes
Always portrayed as a dwarf with a large head, goggle eyes, protruding tongue, bowlegs, bushy tail and he was connected to fun and music
- Horus
He was the supervisor of musical instruments
- Mut & Isis
Mut was mixed with Hathor, Isis, that’s why was connect to the music and dance in ancient Egypt.
- Min
God Min was connected to fertility and music and music
- Thoth
God Thoth invented the music in ancient Egypt and used it as a tool to civilize the world
- Meret
One of the Egyptian Creation Myths created order out of the Chaos.
What types of instruments were commonly used in ancient Egyptian music?
Ancient Egyptian music was primarily played on a variety of instruments, including string, wind, and percussion instruments. String instruments were among the most popular and widely used in ancient Egypt, such as the harp, lute, and lyre. These instruments were often made of wood and had a varying number of strings, which were plucked or strummed to produce sound.
Percussion instruments were also a crucial component of ancient Egyptian music. These included the sistrum, a rattle-like instrument made of metal and often decorated with religious symbols, and the Menat necklace, a long necklace with small metal rings that were shaken to make a jingling sound. These instruments were used in religious ceremonies and were often played by women.
Wind instruments were also commonly used in ancient Egyptian music. The most notable of these was the double clarinet, a long wooden instrument with two pipes that were played simultaneously to produce a distinct sound. This instrument was often used in ceremonial and religious music and was thought to have symbolic significance.
Trumpet
Another important instrument in ancient Egypt was the trumpet. Trumpets were made of metal and were used in a variety of contexts, including military and ceremonial events. They were also used in religious ceremonies to signal the start and end of rituals.
How did the ancient Egyptians use music in religious ceremonies?
Music played a significant role in the religious ceremonies of ancient Egypt. It was believed that music had the power to connect individuals with the gods and was used in a variety of rituals, including funerary rituals, temple rituals, and festivals.
In funerary rituals, music was used to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. Musicians would play harps, lutes, and sistrums to accompany the funerary procession, and singing was also an important part of these ceremonies. The music was believed to help guide the deceased to the afterlife and to provide comfort to the living.
In temple rituals, music was used to honor the gods and goddesses. Musicians would play a variety of instruments, including harps, lutes, sistrums, and double clarinets, and singing was also an important part of these ceremonies. The music was believed to help create a connection between the gods and the individuals participating in the ceremony.
During festivals, music was also an important part of the celebrations. The festivals were an opportunity for people to come together and honor the gods and goddesses.
Additionally, in some rituals, musicians and dancers would perform in front of statues of gods as a way to invoke their presence and ask for their blessings. The music was believed to have the power to connect the worshipper with the divine and to bring them closer to the gods.
How was music education conducted in ancient Egypt? | Music Schools
Music education in ancient Egypt was conducted in a variety of ways, depending on the individual’s social status and profession. For those who were of higher social status, such as members of the royal family or the elite, music education was likely conducted within the household by private tutors. These individuals would have had access to the best instruments and teachers and would have received a comprehensive education in music theory and performance.
For those who were of lower social status, such as commoners and lower-class individuals, music education was likely conducted in a more informal setting. These individuals may have learned music through apprenticeships or by joining community music groups. They may have also learned by observing and participating in religious ceremonies and festivals, where music was an important component.
Music education was also provided in the temples, where children were trained as musicians and singers, as well as dancers. They were trained to play different instruments, sing, and perform in religious rituals and ceremonies. The temple musicians were considered highly respected members of society.
Music education was also provided to the military, where musicians were trained to play trumpets and drums to signal different maneuvers in battle.
What role did music play in daily life in ancient Egypt?
Music played a significant role in the daily life of ancient Egyptians. It was present in a variety of contexts, including religious ceremonies, festivals, and everyday activities.
In religious ceremonies, music was used to honor the gods and goddesses and to connect individuals with the divine. Music was believed to have the power to connect individuals with the gods and to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
During festivals, music was an important part of the celebrations. Musicians would play a variety of instruments, including harps, lutes, sistrums, and double clarinets, and singing was also an important part of these ceremonies. The festivals were an opportunity for people to come together and to honor the gods and goddesses.
In everyday activities, music played an important role in entertaining and entertaining people in the household. Musicians would play harps, lutes, and lyres while people would sing and dance. The music was also used to entertain guests and to celebrate special occasions.
Music was also used in agricultural activities, such as during the harvest, where songs and music were sung to celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
In addition, music was used in healing and medicine, where musicians and singers would play soothing music to help patients relax and to promote healing.
What is the oldest known piece of written music from ancient Egypt?
The oldest known piece of written music from ancient Egypt is a set of hieroglyphic inscriptions that date back to around 1500 BCE. These inscriptions, found on the tomb walls of a nobleman named Ankh-pshef, consist of a series of symbols that appear to be a form of musical notation. This set of notations is considered the oldest known example of music notation in the world, and it provides valuable insight into the musical practices of ancient Egypt.
The inscriptions depict a series of symbols that resemble musical notation, including symbols that represent the different notes, the duration of the notes, and the pitch of the notes. The notation is not entirely clear, and its interpretation is still a subject of debate among experts. But it is believed that the notation represents a simple melody, possibly a hymn or a song.
Although the melody itself cannot be reconstructed, the notations give us an idea of the type of music that was played in ancient Egypt. It is believed that the music of ancient Egypt was based on a pentatonic scale, which is a scale with five notes per octave, and it is likely that the melody represented by the notation is also pentatonic.
How did the ancient Egyptians notate music?
The ancient Egyptians used a unique system of hieroglyphic notation to record music. This system was based on a series of symbols that represented different aspects of music, such as pitch, duration, and rhythm.
The symbols used in the notation system were primarily hieroglyphs, which were pictures or illustrations that represented specific ideas or concepts. The hieroglyphs used in the notation system were carefully chosen to represent the different aspects of music, such as the notes, the duration of the notes, and the pitch of the notes.
The symbols used in the notation system represented a form of solfeggio, a system that assigns a distinct syllable to each note of the scale, and it is believed that the symbols represented the specific syllable that corresponded to each note. This syllable system was used to indicate the pitch of the notes, and it allowed the musician to sing or play the melody correctly.
The hieroglyphs used in the notation system also included symbols that represented the duration of the notes, such as a symbol that represented a short note and another symbol that represented a long note. This allowed the musician to understand the rhythm of the melody and to play it correctly.
Another key aspect of the notation system was the use of symbols to indicate phrasing, which is the grouping of notes and rests. This allowed the musician to understand the structure of the melody and to play it correctly.
How did trade and cultural exchange influence ancient Egyptian music?
Trade and cultural exchange played an important role in shaping the music of ancient Egypt. As Egypt engaged in trade with other cultures, they were exposed to new musical styles, instruments, and ideas, which influenced the development of their own music.
Through trade
The ancient Egyptians came into contact with other cultures such as Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Eastern Mediterranean. These interactions exposed the Egyptians to new instruments, such as the lyre, which was believed to have originated in Mesopotamia.
The ancient Egyptians also engaged in cultural exchange through diplomacy, such as by hosting foreign diplomats, and this also exposed them to new musical traditions.
For example, during the New Kingdom period, the Egyptians received tribute from conquered territories, which included musicians and other cultural representatives, who brought their own musical traditions with them.
Trade also allowed the ancient Egyptians to acquire exotic materials and resources that were used to make instruments. For example, the ancient Egyptians obtained cedarwood from Lebanon to make harps and other string instruments. Besides, obtaining metals such as bronze and gold to make Sistrums and other percussion instruments.
Additionally, the cultural exchange and trade also allowed the spread of musical traditions, as the musicians and cultural representatives of other cultures often brought their own musical traditions with them, which influenced the development of music in Egypt.
How did the Egyptian concept of harmony differ from that of other ancient cultures?
The concept of harmony in ancient Egypt differed from that of other ancient cultures, primarily because the Egyptians did not rely on the use of harmony in their music as heavily as other cultures.
In ancient Egypt, music was primarily based on a pentatonic scale, which is a scale with five notes per octave. This scale was considered to be sacred and had a spiritual significance. The music was focused on melody and rhythm, rather than on harmony. The focus was mainly on the quality of sound rather than on the combination of sounds.
In contrast, other ancient cultures such as the Greeks and the Romans placed a greater emphasis on harmony in their music. They developed complex systems of harmony, which involved the use of multiple voices and instruments playing together to create a rich and layered sound. This was achieved through the use of different modes and scales, and the use of different chord progressions.
Another key difference is that the ancient Egyptians did not use the concept of “consonance” and “dissonance” as in other cultures. Consonance refers to a combination of sounds that are pleasing to the ear. While, dissonance refers to a combination of sounds that are harsh or unsettling. In ancient Egyptian music, there was no use of dissonance, and the focus was mainly on the quality of sound.
What types of vocal music were popular in ancient Egypt?
Vocal music played an important role in ancient Egypt, and various types of vocal music were popular in different contexts.
Religious Vocal Music
One popular type of vocal music was religious vocal music, which was performed in temple ceremonies and other religious rituals. This type of vocal music was performed by trained singers, who were often also temple priests. The music was typically sung in a monophonic style, which means that only a single melody line was sung without harmony. The lyrics often consisted of hymns and prayers to the gods and goddesses.
Secular vocal music
Another popular type of vocal music was secular vocal music, which was performed in non-religious contexts such as celebrations, festivals, and in daily life. This type of vocal music was typically performed by laypeople and was often accompanied by instruments such as harps, lutes, and lyres. The music was often performed in a polyphonic style, which means that multiple melody lines were sung simultaneously, creating harmony. The lyrics often consisted of love songs, folk songs, and songs for entertainment.
Funerary vocal music
It was also popular in ancient Egypt. This type of vocal music was performed during funerary rituals, and it was believed to help guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. The lyrics often consisted of funerary texts, and the music was typically sung in a monophonic style.
Entertainment Vocal Music
Additionally, there was also vocal music for entertainment, such as in the palace, where musicians and singers would perform for the Pharaoh and other members of the court. These performances often included songs, recitations, and dance performances.
How did the ancient Egyptians use music in the tomb and in funerary rituals?
Music played an important role in funerary rituals and in the tomb in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed that music had the power to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife and to provide comfort to the living.
During funerary rituals, musicians would play a variety of instruments, including harps, lutes, sistrums, and double clarinets. Singing was also an important part of these ceremonies, and the lyrics often consisted of funerary texts. These texts were believed to have magical powers that could guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
Musicians and singers would also perform in front of the tomb as a way to invoke the presence of the deceased and to ask for their blessings. The music was believed to have the power to connect the living with the deceased and to provide comfort to the mourners.
In the tomb itself, music was used to create an atmosphere of harmony and balance enable the deceased to enjoy a peaceful afterlife. Musical instruments, such as harps, lutes, and Sistrums, were often placed in the tomb as funerary offerings. obviously, they believe that they could be played by the deceased in the afterlife.
Additionally, many tombs were decorated with scenes depicting musicians and singers ensure that music would be present in the afterlife. These scenes also served as a reminder of the importance of music in ancient Egyptian culture.
Classification of ancient Egyptian dance
- Rhythmic dance
- Sports dance:
- Acrobatic dance
- Marital dance:
- Group Dance:
- Simulation dance:
- Actor’s dance:
- Musical dance:
- Religious dance:
- Funeral dance:
- War Dance
- Dramatic dance
Musical Instruments in Ancient Egypt
Musicians would play a variety of instruments, including
- Harps
- Lutes
- Lyres
- Sistrums
- Double clarinets
- Flute
- The Water Organ
- Drum
- Tambourine
- Rattles
- Clappers
- Scrapers
- Bells
- Cymbals
- Oboes
Clothing of Musicians in Ancient Egypt
In general, musicians in ancient time did not have a uniform, the only way how to distinguish between them is the instrument they hold. Cloths differentiated from Amarna Period to the others Period. Sometimes, dancers portrayed naked like that scene from the Tomb of Nebamun. while male musicians sometimes were blind such as the scene in Mereruka tomb, Saqqara. Besides, the transparent clothes and tunics with some accessories.
Categories of artists in ancient Egypt
There were 12 categories of musicians and singers in ancient Egypt playing all kind of instruments we mentioned above.
for more information about music and dance in ancient Egypt, kindly read more in our blog about
Mereruka tomb, Saqqara
Tutankhamun trumpet
Beni Hassan tombs
Tomb of Nehmes Bastet, Valley of the Kings, KV64
Tomb of Nebamun
Red Chapel of Hatshepsut
Luxor temple Opet Festival for Tutankhamun
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