The following images are details of a Cleopatra costume c. 1960. Made from durable linen, it is printed with a mash-up of motifs. Looks like the secret to Sphinxy’s great hair has been revealed! Is there anything those crafty Egyptians didn’t invent?
Here is a nice children’s puzzle from the 1940s, depicting the famous Bible story of baby Moses being found by his new mommy, Pharaoh’s daughter. I’m not sure what’s on her head, or why she’s wearing Wonder Woman armbands…the maiden in the water looks like an extra from an Esther Williams movie rather than a native Egyptian, but the temple in the background looks authentic.
In today’s world of plastic toys and the out-of-control monsters that smash them around and call that ‘play’, it is difficult to imagine a time in which children were entrusted with fragile, lovely and special possessions. This tea set, made in Japan during the 1920s, is a reminder of such times. Delicate, emblazoned with pyramids and other symbols of a magical far-away land, it has passed unscathed from countless young owners to this much older, but no less appreciative one.
Sure, why not – she’s already been projected into practically all other roles. This is actually just a costume, nicely draped on a cardboard figure and accompanied by a mini story book that tells all about Barbie’s adventures on the Nile. Although they create a striking pattern, the ‘hieroglyphs’ on the dress are a decidedly modern interpretation (1999), as these symbols historically were never used on clothing.
Three cheers for Dover Publications and the wonderful Egyptian inspired goodies they produce. The petite Egyptian Designs Stained Glass Coloring Book is full of tissue paper pages of eye-catching designs – use markers for the best effect and hang them in your windows to dazzle your neighbors. Or, if paper dolls are more your thing, then the King Tut sticker book (I know, it’s confusing – how can a sticker be a paper doll?) is the perfect new friend for your commemorative William and Kate paper dolls.
