Artifacts

Ancient Egypt is renowned for its rich and diverse collection of artifacts, which provide valuable insights into the civilization’s history, culture, and daily life. These are just a few examples of the vast array of artifacts that have been unearthed in Ancient Egypt. They provide invaluable insights into the beliefs, practices, and achievements of this remarkable civilization.

Quartz Crystal “Opening of the Mouth” Ceremonial Cup

This delicate conical vessel, carved from translucent quartz crystal, dates to the reign of Khufu during Egypt’s Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4 (2551–2528 B.C.). Measuring a mere 4.2 cm in height and 4.3 cm in diameter, the cup bears a small nick along its rim and traces of yellow-brown staining upon its side and base, the...

Cylinder Seal of the Divine Adoratress

This monumental cylinder seal is far larger than the practical seals used in Egypt and the Near East, which were typically only a few centimetres in length. Its great size and weight reveal that it was not intended for daily use, but rather served as a ceremonial or symbolic object. The seal is made of...

Quadruple Wedjat-eye Amulet

This amulet, made of green glazed composition (faience), takes the unusual form of a quadruple Wedjat-eye. The convex face shows four protective eyes surrounding a central rosette, while the reverse is flat but also bears a Wedjat-eye. Pierced longitudinally, it was once strung for wear, ensuring the constant presence of its protective powers. The Wedjat,...

Statue of a Woman

The Late Period was an age of revival and resilience. Egypt, long assailed by foreign powers, turned back to its roots, drawing upon the splendours of Old and Middle Kingdom traditions while also glancing outward to the new world of Greece. This sculpture captures that delicate balance. Images of private women were rarely granted permanence...

Prostrating for the Aten

This sandstone relief comes from the early reign of Amenhotep IV (later known as Akhenaten) and based upon the style it is believed this relief was from Karnak Temple, prior to the founding of the experimental capital of Akhetaten (Amarna). Early in his reign, Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten), like many kings before him, undertook ambitious building...

Kushite Pyramids

The pyramids of Kush at Meroë, dating from around 300 B.C. to A.D. 350, are markedly smaller than their Egyptian counterparts but possess a distinctive elegance of their own. Ranging in height from approximately 6 to 30 metres (20 to 100 feet), with base widths typically between 6 and 12 metres (20 to 40 feet),...

Seti I before Ra-Horakhty

In this finely carved relief, Seti I stands reverently before the enthroned Ra-Horakhty, the composite solar deity crowned with the sun disk and uraeus. The king’s right hand is raised in a delicate gesture: with his little finger, he touches the divine cobra, symbol of celestial fire and royal authority. Far from a casual motion,...

Maru-Aten

Maru-Aten was not a palace in the traditional domestic sense, but more a ritual garden estate with strong royal and possibly sacred associations. While Princess Meritaten (daughter of Akhenaten & Nefertiti) may have resided there temporarily, but it wasn’t likely a full-time domestic residence like a proper palace, more so a retreat rather than a permeant household.

Inherkhau & the Jackals

This striking painting shows multiple black jackal figures, often interpreted as manifestations of Anubis or related necropolis deities, facing the foreman Inherkhau. Each jackal wears a red ribboned collar and stands poised, ears alert and snouts extended in a supernatural confrontation. The tripartite representation may symbolise divine guardianship over all regions of the necropolis; east,...

The Sister of Nefertiti

Reference to Mutbenret as “sister of the Great Royal Wife” comes from an inscription in the tomb of Meryre II at Tell el-Amarna; Tomb 7 in the southern group of Amarna’s private tombs. Meryre II was a Royal Scribe and Overseer of the House of the Great Royal Wife, serving Queen Nefertiti during the reign of Akhenaten.