Sidelock+of+Youth

Sidelock of Youth


 * Other Names:**

Sidelock of Horus

The characteristic hairstyle of children, used in Egyptian art to denote childhood. The sidelock of youth was protective in nature, inspired by the young god Horus' hairstyle. It involved shaving the head, leaving only a single, plaited lock, sometimes shaped like a S, hanging down on the side of the head. Ornaments were often hung on the sidelock, such as a fish amulet to prevent drowning. Child-gods like Ihy and Shed, or gods in child form such as Khonsu or Horus, often sported this sidelock.

When a boy or girl reached adulthood (12-14 years of age), it was said that it was the god Bes who cut off their sidelock of hair. The hair was then allowed to grow naturally, or the head was fully shaved and wigs were worn.

Actual examples, or a mimicked style, have been found in the graves of children dating to the Old Kingdom. Stillborn infants and deceased children were placed under the motherly goddess Isis’ protection. Excavations of some of these children’s graves have revealed that many had been buried wearing a ribbon and a pendant bound about their heads, to mimic Horus’ lock of hair so that Isis would recognize the child as her own.


 * Modern Influence:**

A similar style of sidelock is worn by the children of present-day African tribes.

Egyptian Symbols