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Tutor Guide: Ancient BeingsAncient Beings highlights thirty-two objects from the internationally renowned collection of Egyptian antiquities at Eton College. The objects displayed offer a wealth of insight and knowledge into ancient Egyptian culture. Arranged into four themes: GODS, PLANTS, HUMANS, and ANIMALS, this exhibition explores contemporary contexts, iconography and materiality. From a small amethyst scarab ring, blue faience lotus chalice and inscribed papyrus to the striking wooden figure of Mesehti, this selection brings together a variety of materials and techniques that span over 3,000 years of ancient Egypt. Understandings of the visual and material culture of these objects has in particular been drawn out by the loan collaborations with the Barber Institute of Arts, University of Birmingham, and most recently, with the Archaeological Museum at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, US. Celebrating and sharing this examination and research, Ancient Beings focuses on the recently returned thirty-two objects from Johns Hopkins alongside the body of analysis resulting from these collaborations. We have put together three paths around the exhibition with prompts and things to think about:Star ItemsAncient Egyptian Life and AfterlifeSymbolism in Ancient Egypt1. Star ItemsWe have selected one star item from each section of the exhibition to look at the display themes. Think about:Cloisonné pectoral depicting Horus and Seth (GODS).This small object is packed with symbolism and magic. Every part of the design, from the figures to the materials, are meaningful.How many figures, symbols and materials can you identify?What is your impression of this object? Does it seem special? Powerful? Beautiful? Small? Insignificant?Chalice in the form of a white Lotus (PLANTS).The white lotus evoked rejuvenation and rebirth, associated with the flower’s lunar bloom cycle. Cups in the form of a white lotus were used for votive, stately and occasionally domestic use.How does the cup represent a lotus flower?How does this chalice appear different to the two blue lotus chalices either side?Statue of Mesehti (HUMANS).Mesehti was a civic official. This statue would have been placed in Mesehti’s tomb as an anchor for his ka-spirit* (life-force) throughout the afterlife. What can you tell about the man Mesehti from this statue? What does the use of this statue as a vessel for the Ka tell you about Ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife?This figure is over 4,000 years old. Do you think it looks good for its age? What is good about it? Which elements reveal its age? How do you think a wooden statue has lasted this long?Tilapia fish vessel (ANIMALS).The Tilapia fish was a symbol of rebirth. This figure of a fish is hollow and would have contained perfume or cosmetic oils. It is very ornamental for a cosmetics container.Why would the Ancient Egyptians use a Tilapia fish for their cosmetic container?Can you think of any cosmetics today that are kept in special, decorative pots or containers? Are these valuable?2. Ancient Egyptian Life and AfterlifeSome objects were used in everyday life, others were made for use in the Afterlife and were preserved in tombs. Death in Ancient Egypt was believed to be a continuation of life on earth, where you would need all the things you used in life to serve you in eternity. This included objects that were used in daily life as well as symbolic and magical objects. Think about:Music: Naos-sistrum depicting the Goddess Hathor (GODS).This sistrum, a musical instrument, features the cow-headed goddess Hathor who was associated with music and dance, and used a sistrum to drive away evil and motivate good. How was this used as an instrument?Where and why might you have played this instrument?In what ways does the physical form of the sistrum connect it to the gods?Where else in the exhibition can you find depictions of music?Cosmetics: Disc mirror, Kohl tube and Cosmetic spoon (HUMANS).There are a large number of objects surviving Ancient Egypt that relate to hygiene and cosmetics. Although functional objects, they are expertly crafted and decorated. The material, form and purpose of each object are linked.Why would these have been included in a tomb?What does the inclusion of the female form symbolise?How are these objects associated with the goddess Hathor?Why might there be so many examples of cosmetics objects remaining from Ancient Egypt? Books: Fragment of a scene from the Book of Amduat (GODS). The Book of Amduat is a funerary text and was intended to be a guidebook for the deceased, to assist them on their journey to the afterlife. The text is written in hieroglyphs, a system of writing that was reserved mainly for use in religious and funerary contexts. Can you identify any people or gods, animals or symbols in this fragment?How does this scene represent a journey?3. Symbolism in Ancient EgyptThe objects in this exhibition are organised into four themes: Gods, Plants, Humans and Animals. You will notice that there are recurring and overlapping iconographic motifs throughout each of these sections – there are many ways in which these objects could have been grouped, and this reflects the interconnectivity of symbolism and meaning in Ancient Egyptian culture. Think about:Lotus flower: Chalice in the form of a blue Lotus (PLANTS).The blue lotus was an important symbol of regeneration linked to the cycle of the sun and the endurance of life, as the flower closes at night and opens again each morning. How do these vessels represent the form of the flower? Why would you make/use a cup in the form of a lotus?Think about how a flower could become such an important symbol, associated with the gods, national identity and regeneration. Can you think of a plant that has a symbolic power like the lotus today?Where else in the exhibition can you find depictions of the lotus? Tilapia Fish: Bowl with marsh scene (ANIMALS).The Tilapia fish is a symbol of rebirth. Much of the symbolism involving animals is a result of the Ancient Egyptians looking closely at the characters and behaviours of the animals and finding meaning in them, and making parallels with their beliefs and their gods.Why does the Tilapia fish symbolise rebirth? Do you think this was a literal belief?What other elements of this bowl are combined to complement or reinforce the symbolism of the Tilapia fish? (Think about the symbolism associated with faience, reeds marshes in the Nile, lotus flowers, explored in the other displays)Think of an animal. Find something in its nature or behaviour that could become a symbol.Scarab Beetle: Amethyst and gold scarab ring (ANIMALS).Why does the scarab beetle symbolise new life and creation?Why did people wear amulets or rings with a scarab on them? (Think about magic, transfer of power and communication to the gods) ................
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