We traveled to Cairo, Egypt last October. It was a nice time of the year to visit as it wasn’t too hot. There are many of museums in Cairo. We visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
The museum displays are written in the native language as well as in English. This self-guided tour takes the visitor through a chronological order of the changes in civilization through Egypt’s history.
Artifacts
Artifacts were on display throughout the museum on the main floor. As we traveled around the room, the artifacts were some of the first items shown. These included dishes, tools and even royal insignia.
Pictured above are samples of sickles through time. Pictured below are royal items, some items worn by the kings of old.
The “Ankh” scepter, the looped top cross below, was used to remind people that the king is alive and controls those alive.
Friezes
As I continued to walk around the museum, I spotted a Frieze. Friezes are an important part of history and architecture. These are normally found on the outside of building. However, they can also be on the inside, they are carved stones or painted designs.
Papyrus
Also on display were large pieces of papyrus. Ancient Egyptians used papyrus as paper. Papyrus is a plant called “paper plant” or Cyperus papyrus, found in the Egyptian area near the Nile (from Britannica). The plant was also used to make various other household items. To learn more Papyrus-Making in Egypt – The Metropolitan Museum of Art Papyrus with painted pictures of iconic Egyptian royalty can be purchased at any tourist store. Below is one that was on display.
Statues
Statues are another form of preserving history in ancient times. They could be carved out of stone or formed out of metal or other materials. Statues can be shaped to look like a person, building or animals.
Pictured above is a statue. Below is a carved piece of stone.
Islam is the current religion in Egypt today. Below is a wooden “window” that was also on display.
Mummies
When people think of Egypt, many think of mummies and the museum came through in that aspect. Egyptians had the process of preserving the dead and decorating the tombs down to an art. They took great care in each detail. Below are four examples of tombs, the details are not just a pretty design, but made with intention, whether it was painted, or carved. Different materials were used for the tombs. To learn more about the embalmment process see the link below.
Finally, we worked our way to the lower level of the museum. The lower level was reserved for the mummies taken from their gravesites and being preserved in the museum. We were not able to take photos in the lower level. Sometimes the mummy would be in the tomb, while other times it was laid next to the tomb. Some of the tombs were damaged from those digging for treasures in the tomb. It was quite fascinating to see how the mummy was well preserved even after all this time.
Conclusion
Overall, it was a decent experience for being a small museum. It was interesting to see the items from the times of the pharaohs, especially before going to the Giza Pyramids, which are the largest tombs of three pharaohs.