In the Old and Middle Kingdoms many high-ranking women held the title of priestess – particularly in the temples of the goddesses Hathor and Neith. None, however, served higher than the middle ranks of the priesthood and, by the New Kingdom, priestesses had disappeared completely. Women were also barred from the administrative roles in temples.

There were still roles for women in the temples, though, as musicians, dancers and ‘sealers of doors’. The musicians sang hymns and played a rattle-like instrument called a sistrum. Female musicians served under a high-ranking female called the Great One of the Troupe of Musical Performers. Whereas male musicians were all from the lower classes, women came from across the social spectrum and many may have been volunteers rather than paid employees.