Childbirth

Question 1

How did they give birth in Egypt

Answer 1

woman gave birth squatting on bricks

Question 2

Stele dedicated to Meretseger

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Royal residence of Wah-Sut: Painted Birth Brick

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Westcar papyrus: Cheops and The Magician

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Breastfeeding Cups

Answer 5

• 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