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A wooden sculpture of the head and neck of a person, the skin painted gold, a geometrically decorated long wig, and many painted symbols. A wooden sculpture of the head and neck of a person, the skin painted gold, a geometrically decorated long wig, and many painted symbols.

Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt

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Exhibition

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  • Gallery 50
  • Gallery 50

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Experience over 3,000 years of arts from ancient Egypt in a dynamic new gallery.

A rectangular stone slab is painted with two large figures with medium-dark skin in profile, a man and a woman. Surrounding them are various food items, as well as a smaller male figure holding a large piece of meat. Across the top are hieroglyphics.

Ancient Egyptian

The transformed space explores aspects of life and the afterlife in the Nile Valley with the first new installation of works from the museum’s historic collection of ancient Egyptian art in a quarter-century. Striking artifacts—displayed along one wall of the gallery in a series of innovative cases that promote viewing from multiple vantage points—provide insight into the beliefs and practices of this illustrious North African culture.

A work made of basalt.

Ancient Egyptian

Recurring themes throughout this fresh presentation of the collection consider the impact of Egypt’s natural environment, including the Nile River, on its visual culture; reveal the processes of ancient Egyptian artists; and explore the centrality of gods and goddesses to life (and death) along the Nile. Arresting sculptures, such as the statue of Shebenhor, reveal how ancient Egyptians chose to present themselves so that they would be remembered for eternity, while funerary works—such as a gilded funerary mask—unveil practices for preparing for and protecting oneself in the afterlife.

Highlights of the Collection

A work made of copper alloy with gilding.

Ancient Egyptian

A work made of glass.

Ancient Egyptian

A small statue consisting of a multicolored rectangular base and a painted mummified figure oriented vertically, wearing an elaborate striped headdress with a plume.

Ancient Egyptian

A painted wooden boat with 15 wooden figures, all painted with dark skin and hair, shirtless, and white cloth around their lower halves. Fourteen figures are seated as if rowing; one figures stands facing sideways at the back of the boat.

Ancient Egyptian

A work made of limestone.

Ancient Egyptian

A portrait of a young man with dark hair and beard painted on an irregular piece of wood. The background is gold as a wreath of ivy and necklace he wears. There are many areas where the paint has come off the surface.

Ancient Egyptian

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