Pharaoh Menes

Ancient Egypt: Old Kingdom 3100 BC

Pharaoh Menes, also known as Narmer, was the first Pharaoh to unite Egypt. At age 15, he began his rule of Upper Egypt. Upper Egypt named for its higher elevation was really southern Egypt. He wore the white crown of Upper Egypt but he also wanted to wear the red crown of Lower Egypt (aka northern Egypt). Menes conquered Lower Egypt, uniting Egypt to begin the first dynasty of Egypt. Triumphantly, he wore both the red and the white crown to show he was Pharaoh over all of Egypt.

Engravings of Menes wearing his crown can be found on the Narmer Palette at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Materials Needed:

Paper version:

Red construction paper (12 in. x 18 in.) – 1 piece

White construction paper (12 in. x 9 in.) – 1 piece

Red pipe cleaner – 1

Tape (clear packing tape)

Glue stick or glue

Scissors

Duct tape version:

Brown paper bag - 1

Red and white duct tape – 1 each

Scissors – bandage scissors or other sharp scissors work best for cutting duct tape

Red pipe cleaner – 1

Floral wire - 1

Other options:

Laminate construction paper - to extend the life of the hat (buy by the roll and buy good quality). Low quality laminate will separate from paper quickly.

Foam sheets – large (12 in. x 18 in.) or by the roll (18 in. x 72 in.) Tape on the inside when possible, use transparent duct tape on exterior when necessary.