Background - Domestic and Sacred Femininity in Roman Egypt

 Before delving into the collection, it's important to carry an understanding of the role of women in Roman-Egyptian religion as well as the household. While participatory in most, if not all, forms of worship, records are scarce given the low literacy rate among non-elite Egyptian women; however, in overwhelming proportion to male names, most female names were derived from those of gods and goddesses, indicating some sort of divine connection. 

Viewing any culture through a gendered lens is difficult given the precariousness of ancient conceptions of femininity; textual evidence, though, indicates that piety was seen as an essential trait among women, much the same as later Christian characterizations of feminine innocence. But when we compare existing religious documents pertaining to women to those concerning men, there is suprisingly little difference in their actual access to ritual practice. While it's clear that virginity was cherished as a symbol of divine sanctity, access to temples and positions of higher religious authority seem to largely act independent of gender. It is safe to assume that domestic life followed the same model.

Of course, the home saw restriction of women in nearly every aspect. The feminine role in the household was entirely different from that of a man; though women were allowed to operate businesses and, in some cases, own land, matronism was expected. 

One area where this rigidly-gendered structure may have been subverted was in domestic worship, a highly individualistic concept. Personal religion was an integral part of ritual practice in Roman Egypt; besides charm-like rites and calls for divine aid, supplication to a household god was commonplace. These gods often occupied alcoves or even rooms, taking the form of statues at which one would pray. The statue contained in this collection, when considered in relation to the objects found around it, helps to explain the role of femininity in domestic worship.