The Field Museum in Chicago is among the largest history museums in the world. It is known for its diverse historical collections which make it a center of attraction for visitors worldwide. It includes many exhibitions with unique collections from different regions of the world. Among its many permanent exhibitions, lies the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit constructed by using authentic and original materials these collections are analyzed by cartouches and hieroglyphs which enhances the reliability and quality. So, various gatherings are held at the Field Museum in Chicago to reflect original ancient history. The Ancient Egypt exhibition throws a glimpse at ancient Egyptian culture. It includes many collections like mummies, shrines, tomb animals, and plants, which depict their religious, cultural, and social life.
Like many other civilizations, Ancient Egypt is one of the sixth most remarkable and powerful independent civilizations to arise. It dates back to 3150 BC – 30 BC and remained for 3000 years. It is known for its great history, religion, and diverse culture in every aspect of human knowledge from religion to architecture to science and technology. The antiques, statues, mummies, and monuments are still eye-catching and have mind-boggling designs that profoundly reflect the grandeur and richness of Egyptian culture and make this civilization a subject of great credibility and interest till now.
Inside Ancient Egypt, a triple-story tomb was constructed using original materials shipped from Egypt. It is a major part of the exhibition worth $2.2 million. It displays the Egyptian lifespan from 5000 B.C – 300 A.D. Visitors can enter and climb to the top to inspect different construction techniques implied to withhold these assemblies. Its walls are crafted with hieroglyphs. It also has duplicates of a chapel (c. 2400 B.C.) located in the tomb of Unis-Ankh (son of the 5th Dynasty Pharaoh). These duplicates are also made from original material. From the ground floor of the tomb, one can move to a burial unit where 23 human mummies and several mommies of animals including falcons, cats, crocodiles, etc. are on display. Dioramas are attached to mummies to depict the mummification process and how the burial process changed. The objects have a special inscription to give viewers an idea of preparations for death and the life after death. Religious life is described at the tomb of the cat goddess Sekhmet and her kindergarten. The cat was considered a sacred animal during ancient Egyptian times. There are also many other displays for kids and people, including pottery jars, jewelry, bowls, and vases.
Inside Ancient Egypt which is a combination of both art and theater. It takes the visitors to a mesmerizing place where they can imagine the daily life routines of Ancient Egypt. A scenic view of the Nile Valley, which contains a canal and marsh, shows plant and animal life near the Nile River. The river carries 4000-year-old luxury boats belonging to the Middle Kingdom. It depicts the importance of the Nile River. Crossing the Nile Valley, there is also a marketplace with ancient aromas and fragrances. This market is filled with jewelry, ceramics, and many other artifacts related to daily life.
Field Museum is one of the very rare places where one can explore Ancient Egyptian culture in a real sense. Inside Ancient Egypt throws remarkable insights into the diverse Egyptian culture. One can clearly understand how life was there from the Pharaohs to peasants, and one can see the greatness and diversity of Ancient Egyptian civilization.
Work Cited
- Beyer, Autumn. “Ancient Egypt at the Field Museum.” ARCHAEOLOGY OF ANCIENT EGYPT (2012).
- McGuire, Carolyn. “2 Chicago Museums Bring Egypt To Life.” Chicago Tribune (1988).
- Ward, J. Logan. “An Explorer’s Guide to the Field Museum.” Chicago: The Field Museum ( 1998).
