Special exhibition to offer rare glimpse at ancient Egyptian mummies

From cat mummies to limestone statues of elite families, a special exhibition titled "Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt" is set to provide South Koreans with an unprecedented view of ancient Egyptian civilization. Hosted by Yonhap News Agency, the Brooklyn Museum, Donga Ilbo and Channel A, the exhibition features approximately 150 artifacts meticulously selected from the Brooklyn Museum's ancient Egyptian collection.

The event marks the first time Egyptian mummies will be displayed in South Korea in four years. The total insured value of the displayed artifacts is estimated to reach nearly US$120 million. Among the displayed artifacts are everyday items that shed light on the lives of ancient Egyptians, such as a tomb painting of a woman seated on a green mat, an artifact fragment showcasing the luxurious fashion of the Egyptian elite around 3,000 years ago, and a statue of Nykara, Scribe of the Granary, along with his wife and son.

A significant aspect of the exhibition revolves around funeral-related artifacts and mummies, as ancient Egyptians believed that death was merely a transition to eternal life. The mummy and cartonnage (a type of funerary mask) of an ancient Egyptian priest named Hor, dating back to 760-558 B.C., exemplify the faith the ancient Egyptians had in the afterlife and the methods they employed to preserve bodies for this belief.

CT scans have revealed the internal structures of the cat mummies, which were revered as sacred creatures associated with the Egyptian goddess Bastet, symbolizing love, fertility, and the home.

To enhance visitors' understanding of ancient Egypt, the exhibition offers visual and audio aids that illustrate hieroglyphics and reenact the sounds of the ancient Egyptian language. Additionally, an animated film explaining the mummification process is available for those interested in learning more about this ancient practice.

The exhibition will be held at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul from December 11 to April 11, allowing visitors to experience firsthand artifacts that have traveled across time, spanning 4,000 years. Tickets are available at discounted rates for early birds, with adult tickets priced at 22,000 won (US$16).