The Egyptian Museum, soon to be replaced by a new national museum, is an "old school" museum in many respects. Its 170,000 artifacts are set out in large rooms and open corridors, which are very accessible; but many of the small items, such as the diminutive likeness of Cheops, are in wood framed glass boxes that reflect extravagantly. It is very difficult to get a clear photograph of any item in those boxes without some interfering reflection. And often the identifying label was, unlike this one for Cheops, a typed card stuck in a little frame such as one used to find in libraries -- for those who might remember such things.
The fun fact about Cheops is that this small statue (3" more or less) is the only likeness of him found to date, yet he is responsible for construction of the Great Pyramid.
The Egyptian Museum Cairo website has better photographs for those who wish to see more.
Since religion was a significant factor in ancient Egyptian life, the Priest was a powerful figure in Egyptian society and especially at court. Their influence was assured and their advice heeded because they "held the keys" to a person's passage to the next life. This carved wood figure shows that assured demeanor one would associate with so much power and leverage. The wood would have been covered originally with painted plaster. This depicts Ka-aper.
As a writer I am naturally fond of depictions of those in the trade. This Scribe comes originally from Memphis. Scribes are powerful figures since they are among the few who would have been literate. His words gave shape to the Pharaoh's commands, and quite naturally (like the priest) he would have wanted to be represented in the king's tomb to be included in that journey to the afterlife. This carving is represented on the 200 Egyptian Pound note.
As spectacular as the the Kings and Queens are, I find myself drawn to commoners. In this case, a servant, porter in death as in life, carried what the Pharaoh would need for his journey to the afterlife.
These extraordinary paintings were taken from the floor of an excavated tomb. Unlike wall or ceiling art, floor paintings would be quickly degraded and obliterated by tourists.
This is a cane sleeping mat, totally unlike the wonderful mattresses we slept on during our stay. Notice the reflection of light and other tourists on the "old glass" enclosures.
The name over this door speaks for itself. The room is narrow and has the feel of an "old museum" I referred to above. For those inclined, there are dog, cat, and crocodile mummies preserved here as well as animal coffins and tools for animal embalming -- all behind prohibitively reflective glass.
This fully preserved carving of Ramses II is described as colossal. He is on a pedestal, but even without the pedestal he must measure at least 15 feet high. Everything in the sculpture means something. The left foot forward and the straight beard, for example, mean he is depicted as living. Compare this depiction to the little carving of Cheops.
Queen Hatshepsut, a unique female Pharaoh, is usually depicted with male attributes, the dark skin and the false beard, for example, simply because women were not supposed to take that role. If I remember correctly, this head was damaged deliberately after her reign to diminish her memory. Note the typed information card attached to the display stand.
As much as I would have liked to view all 170,000 artifacts on display, our time in the museum drew to an end. Our tour guide assured us that we had seen some of the most important pieces, albeit quickly, so we scooted to our van for an escorted drive to Old Cairo, grabbing take away for lunch as we rode.
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