Egypt: Beyond the Tomb Coming to Auckland

Egypt: Beyond the Tomb Coming to Auckland

Step into the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt where life exists beyond the tomb

'My name is Namenekhamun. I live in Thebes under the divine protection of our King Psam-tek. It is the morning of my precious daughter Keku's funeral. Today will be a day of sorrow and celebration.'

Egypt: Beyond the Tomb brings the ancient Egyptian world of the dead to life right here, under the Dome at Auckland Museum.

This extraordinary exhibition follows Keku, an Egyptian woman who lived 2700 years ago, as she makes the perilous journey through the underworld towards the eternal afterlife.

With over 200 ancient Egyptian burial treasures from animal mummies to the magnificently decorated sarcophagus (coffin) of Keku – Egypt: Beyond the Tomb gives visitors fascinating insights into the mysterious death rituals of this age-old civilisation.

The mysteries of Ancient Egypt have continued to capture the imagination of both young and old since discoveries of this fascinating civilisation first came to light. Auckland Museum is proud to present the most comprehensive collection of Egyptology artifacts to arrive in New Zealand for many years when Egypt: Beyond the Tomb opens at the Special Exhibition Hall under the new Dome on May 25.

The exhibition explores how researchers have pieced together Keku's story from the diverse clues that her civilisation left behind. Visitors will be able to follow her preparations for death and her perilous journey through the underworld.

The vast collection of artifacts on display paints a vivid picture of Ancient Egyptian culture. Perhaps the most facinating of these are the mummification and embalming tools whose functions demonstrate the customs practiced by the people of the time. For example, a hook used to extract the brain of the deceased through their nose is used to explain part of the embalming process. Mummified animals, amulets to protect the dead on their underworld journey, and papyri with spells from the ‘Book of the Dead’ will also feature in the collection. In addition the exhibition also includes other rare and beautiful pieces such as jewellery and earthenware. This extensive and intrigueing exhibition allows vistors to follow one woman’s preparation for death and her perilous journey through the underworld towards the eternal afterlife.

Egypt: Beyond the Tomb offers a rare opportunity to gain insight into the lives of an ancient civilisation – through their treasures and stories we learn about the rituals, beliefs and values of the enchanting ancient Egyptian culture. This journey is made all the more special by taking it with an actual individual who had a community and a family that loved her.

This must-see international exhibition has been developed by the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Antiquities, The Netherlands. It will be accompanied by a full programme of public events offering a full range of activities for visitors of all ages.

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