Pharaohic Fantasies

By Jamie Martin

April 30^th, 2023

In 1978, my parents took me to see the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Hundreds of artifacts were on display, among them: King Tut's death mask—24 pounds of solid gold inlaid with intricate patterns of onyx and lapis lazuli; a quartet of gilded gods protecting the dead, led by a life-size Selket, the deity of scorpions and healer of venomous bites; a gold throne, an alabaster lion, and countless pieces of priceless jewelry.

To this day, I've never seen so much treasure...but what made an even bigger impact on me was the unique style and exquisite craftsmanship: sheer silks and linens draped and pleated into light, breathable shendyts, kalasiris, tunics, sashes and shawls; bracelets, anklets, necklaces, earrings—ornate ornaments for every appendage, and some so heavy they required counterweights; beaded wigs with gold diadems; scarab amulets; alabaster and ivory. For a civilization that vanished over three millennia ago, it was more elegant than today's regalia and status-signaling couture.

This collection is inspired and informed by that experience forty-five years ago. I've used Midjourney, a text-to-image generative AI software, to create these images.

SUN WORSHIP

Fourteen hour days. Hundred-degree rays. Months without rain.

THE GIFT OF THE NILE

The longest river in Africa flows north for 4,132 miles before it empties its rich waters into the Mediterranean.

One hundred miles north of Cairo, the Nile fans out into a wide delta with distributaries from Alexandria to the Suez Canal, forming a fertile valley that has supported agriculture and development for five thousand years.

For the ancient Egyptians, the Nile was also vital for trade, transportation, and religious ceremonies.

THE LIVING GODS

The Pharaoh was considered a living god. He was seen as the earthly embodiment of Horus, the god of kingship, and the son of Ra, the sun god. He held absolute power, making decisions and enacting policies without opposition.

Royal women wielded significant power and influence, serving as advisors, regents, and high priestesses. They could hold administrative roles, oversee estates, and manage their own property. Some, like Queen Hatshepsut, took the throne as pharaohs in their own right. Queens like Nefertiti and Cleopatra are remembered for their political acumen and diplomatic skills, which helped shape Egypt's history.

THE FUTURE'S SO BRIGHT

The ancient Egyptians are credited with many technologies: engineering to build the Great Pyramids and monuments; advanced mathematics and a decimal numeral system; papyrus and hieroglyphics that enabled record keeping and a means to document their history, religion, and literature; irrigation and agriculture; shipbuilding and navigation; astronomy and accurate calendars; glassmaking, sculpture, painting...