Egyptian collection highlights

Temporary closure

A temporary Egyptology display of 500 ancient Egyptian artefacts in the Lower Horseshoe Gallery at World Museum Liverpool is open for visitors to see highlights from the Egyptian collection. All schools sessions about Ancient Egypt are still fully available, and school goups can do a self led gallery trail using the temporary display. The main Egyptology displays at World Museum Liverpool are closed from 19 August 2007 until the new gallery is completed in 2008.

Find out more about plans for the new Egyptian gallery on this website.

Gallery selection one

Here you can see just a few of the objects from our Egyptian collection. Some of them are over 6000 years old. They represent many aspects of ancient Egyptian life. Well-known objects, like mummies or beautiful jewellery can be seen in the museum. Pieces that bring more every-day pastimes to life, such as board games and make-up trays are also on show.

Many of these objects were found during excavations of tombs. They illustrate the ancient Egyptian cult of the dead and their ideas about the afterlife. The afterlife was seen as a continuation of earthly life. Objects were placed in the tomb to ensure a continued existence at least equal to that on earth. The tomb was also equipped with magic and religious items like amulets and statues. The Egyptians believed that the body had to be preserved and placed in a tomb with a supply of food and drink. The dead also needed a coffin or stela (stone tablet) with the name of the dead person recorded on it to maintain their identity. Offerings were made and prayers said so that the soul could survive.

Collection Items

Click on an image to find out more about an item.

Stone vessels, Predynastic (4000 - 2700 BC)
Stone vessels

Predynastic (4000 - 2700 BC)

Wooden model of a servant girl, First Intermediate Period (2181 - 2040 BC)
Wooden model of a servant girl

First Intermediate Period (2181 - 2040 BC)

Terracotta model of a house, Middle Kingdom (2133-1786 BC)
Terracotta model of a house

Middle Kingdom (2133 - 1786 BC)

Granite stele of Khnumu, 12th Dynasty (c1991-1786 BC)
Granite stele of Khnumu

12th Dynasty (c1991 - 1786 BC)

Granite sarcophagus of Bakenkhonsu, 19th Dynasty
Granite sarcophagus of Bakenkhonsu

19th Dynasty

Large pottery bowl, 18th Dynasty, reign of Akhenaten (ruled c1352-1336 BC)
Large pottery bowl

18th Dynasty, reign of Akhenaten (ruled c1352 - 1336 BC)

Gold and carnelian jewellery, New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC)
Gold and carnelian jewellery

New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC)

Cosmetic tray, New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC)
Cosmetic tray

New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC)

Part of a 'senet' board, New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC)
Part of a 'senet' board

New Kingdom (1567-1085 BC)

Sandstone relief showing Tutankhamun
Sandstone relief showing Tutankhamun

18th Dynastry (1550-1307 BC)

Gold ring of Amenophis II, 18th Dynasty (1550-1307 BC)
Gold ring of Amenophis II

18th Dynasty (1550-1307 BC)

 

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