Curator Collection
Egyptian 6000 BC - 332 BC
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Over 8,000 years ago, Egypt formed along the banks of the River Nile. Kings and Queens ruled over Egypt for more than 2,000 years. We now split this time into 3 periods called Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom.
Let's find out about the Egyptian period. You can see lots more Egyptian artefacts on display at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Senet
Egyptians like to amuse themselves by playing a board game called 'Senet'. This is a playing piece from the game. It's about 3cm high. You can try senet out for yourself in the Egypt Gallery at Birmingham Museum.
Mask
This is an Egyptian mummy's mask. They were usually made of plaster over cartonnage with a gilded face. There are many different masks on show at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Ushabtis
Ushabtsi figures were statuettes, usually in the form of a mummy. The Egyptians believed that these would magically carry out any work they had to do in the 'afterlife' (when they had died). Often 365 shabti figures were placed in a tomb that's one for each day of the year!
Canopic Jars
This is a set of 4 limestone jars with painted heads in the form of the four sons of Horus. Horus was one of the most powerful gods, he had a man's body and a hawk's head.
Mummified Cat
The Egyptians mummified many animals including cats. They removed all their organs except for the heart! Their bodies were then stuffed and wrapped.
An Amulet- The Eye of Horus
The wedjat-eye was the left eye of the god Horus who was one of the most powerful gods. He had a man's body and a hawk's head. It symbolised light and served as a protection against the evil eye.
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