Today we went to see the exhibition of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts from the Louvre.
The Canberra Art Gallery was packed and it has been reported that there are record crowds of Australians lining up to see this excellent exhibition.
It is absolutely amazing how the fine intricate work on wood and papyrus has stood up to the passage of time. Considering that the items pre-date the coming of Christ.
One item of particular interest is the black diorite sarcophagus of Tanethep from the Ptolemaic period, 2nd century BCE ( Before Common Era, and this is another story). The lid of the sarcophagus is inscribed with passages taken from the book of the dead.
The inside of the lid is engraved with a naked representation of Nut, the goddess of the sky. The figure of the goddess is stretched out above the corpse. Nut is the celestial goddess. The base of the sarcophagus is engraved with the figure of the goddess of the West who represents the dead.
Placing Tanethep in the sarcophagus between the two goddess was to ensure her eternal rebirth.
The ancient Egyptians made sure their Pharohs had everything they needed to see them through in the afterlife. There were so many rituals to ensure that everything went just right.
When we came out of the exhibition I thought that a great gift idea it would be for someone who loves art and discovery – a years membership to the local museum or art gallery.
This is one exhibition you won’t want to miss. Check out the dates in the following locations:
Canberra:
http://www.nga.gov.au/Home/index.cfm
Adelaide:
http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au
Perth
http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.