Glossary Sculpture, figurines and art
Kilt
Also called: shendyt, shenti
A knee-length wrapped skirt of Egyptian origin, pleated and often with a decorated front panel, worn by many Cypriot limestone votaries.
The Egyptian kilt, or shendyt, is the most recognisable feature of Egyptianizing Cypriot sculpture. The Cypriot version is usually pleated, reaches the knee and has a central apron decorated with rearing cobras and hanging ribbons. Few examples copy an Egyptian model exactly: most mix two kilt types and add non-Egyptian ornament such as Hathor and Bes heads, gorgon faces, sphinxes and scarabs.
The full pleated kilt with a cobra apron is a New Kingdom fashion that Egyptian royal statues had abandoned by the sixth century, one reason the style is thought to have reached Cyprus through Phoenician art. Some figures of Herakles-Melqart also wear a knee-length kilt. See clothing and dress.
Full entry: Clothing and Dress in Ancient Cyprus
Related terms
- Egyptianizing
Borrowing the look of Egyptian art (dress, poses, crowns and motifs) in objects made outside Egypt, often through Phoenician intermediaries.
- Double crown
The Egyptian royal crown combining the white crown of Upper Egypt with the red crown of Lower Egypt, copied on some Cypriot statues.
- Votary
A worshipper shown in a statue or figurine, usually dedicated in a sanctuary to stand before the deity on the donor's behalf.