The Book of the Dead The British Museum’s latest take on Egyptian enchantment is one not to be missed. EMMA BIGG A few years ago The British Museum had an impressive Egyptian collection, full of beautiful and magnificent burial coffins, statues and funeral items that drew constant crowds inside its walls. Over time these artefacts have either been put into storage for their own protection or are touring the world, leaving the rooms with a gaping hole, aching to be filled. Considered to be the home of the first truly civilised race of people, Ancient Egypt has fascinated scholars and school children alike for centuries. For this very reason the Ancient Egyptian Book Of The Dead exhibition has been one of the most popular in the museum’s history. Pride of place in it’s impressive Reading Room, the exhibition is a comprehensive guide to a very specific, but essential part of the Ancient Egyptian lifecycle: the Book of the Dead. It is surprising to discover that there is not one Book of the Dead but many, as curator John Taylor explains, “The Book of the Dead isn’t a finite text – it’s not like the Bible, it’s not a collection of doctrine or a statement of faith or anything like that – it’s a practical guide to the next world, with spells that would help you on your journey.” In a world where you were lucky to live to the age of 40, death soon
became the prime focus of Egyptian life. Death was essentially seen as an illness, a necessary part of the eternal lifecycle, and as such it was important for people to be accepted into the afterlife by the Gods. Generally owned by the rich and the royal, a Book of the Dead was a made-to-order collection of spells and charms on papyrus scroll that was believed to protect the person on their journey to the afterlife. Full of spells and beautiful illustrations, the plethora of examples exhibited at The British Museum are truly awe-inspiring, particularly as the general public has never had the opportunity to see them before now. In very traditional Egyptian fashion, Books of the Dead not only told the story of the dead and the Gods, but also illustrate how Egyptians lived thousands of years ago. Leaving the very best until last, the final room houses the impressive 37-metre-long Book of the Dead of Nesitanebisheru daughter of Pinedjem II, High Priest of Amun. One of the largest surviving complete scrolls, it contains many unique spells and intricate line drawings of important scenes such as the weighing of the heart. Although time-consuming, this exceptional exhibition of rare artefacts is a rare opportunity not to be missed.
4 November 2010 - 6 March 2011 www.britishmuseum.org
46