Ancient Egypt at the Field Museum Essay
The Field Museum situated 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 having 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 and these collections are analyzed by and cartouches and hieroglyphs which enhances the reliability and quality. So, just to reflect original ancient history, there are various gatherings present in the Field Museum Chicago. Inside Ancient Egypt exhibition throws a glimpse at ancient Egypt culture and it includes many collections like mummies, shrine, tomb animals, and plants, etc. which depict their religious, cultural and social life.Ancient Egypt
Like many other civilizations, Ancient Egypt is one of the sixth remarkable and powerful independent civilizations to arise. It dated 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 a mind-boggling designs which profoundly reflects the grandeur and richness of Egyptian culture and makes this civilization a subject of great credibility and interest till now.
Inside Ancient Egypt, a triple-story tomb is constructed using the original materials which were 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 for inspection of 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 along with several mommies of animals including falcons, cats, and crocodile, etc. are on display. Dioramas are attached to mummies to depict the process of mummification and how the process of burial changed over the period. The objects have a special inscription written on them just to give a viewer an idea of preparations for death and the life after death. Religious life is described at the tomb of cat goddess Sekhmet along with her kindergarten. The cat was considered a sacred animal during ancient Egypt time. There are also many other displays for kids and people along with pottery jars, jewelry, bowls, and vases are also seen.
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 Nile valley containing canal and marsh is displayed which shows plant and animal life inhabiting near Nile River. The river carries luxury boats 4000-year-old belonging to the Middle Kingdom. It depicts the importance of Nile River. Crossing the Nile valley, there is also a marketplace having ancient aroma and fragrances. This market is filled with jewelry, ceramics and many other artifacts related to daily life.
Field Museum in one of a very rare place where one can explore Ancient Egypt culture in a real sense. Inside Ancient Egypt throws remarkable insights into the diverse Egyptian culture. One can have a clear idea how the life was there back in the time of Pharaohs to peasants, and one can clearly the greatness and diversity of Ancient Egypt 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).
