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 two

Here you can see just a few of the objects on display in the Egyptian gallery at World Museum Liverpool. 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. 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 sole could survive.

Collection Items

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

Limestone panel from the tomb of Nyankhety
Limestone panel from the tomb of Nyankhety

4th Dynasty (2575-2465 BC)

Papyrus document
Papyrus document

20th Dynasty

Bronze figure of osiris
Bronze figure of Osiris

26th Dynasty

Outer coffin of Pedeamun
Outer coffin of Pedeamun

Late Dynastic Period (664-332 BC)

Amulets found with a mummy
Amulets found with a mummy

Ptolemaic (332-30 BC)

Pair of painted wooden legs
Pair of painted wooden legs

Roman Period (30 BC-AD 395)


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