Exhibition “Journey through the afterlife. Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead”

London – The British Museum

4 November 2010 – 6 March 2011

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/all_current_exhibitions/book_of_the_dead.aspx


Follow the ancient Egyptians’ journey from death to the afterlife
in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition focusing on the Book of the Dead.
The ‘Book’ was not a single text but a compilation of spells designed to
guide the deceased through the dangers of the underworld, ultimately
ensuring eternal life.

Many of the examples of the Book of the Dead in the exhibition have never
been seen before, and many are from the British Museum’s unparalleled
collection. These beautifully illustrated spells on papyrus and linen were
used for over 1,000 years, and the oldest examples are over 3,500 years
old.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these fascinating and
fragile objects on display.

In addition to the unique works on papyrus and linen, superbly crafted
funerary figurines (shabtis), amulets, jewellery, statues and coffins
illustrate the many stages of the journey from death to the afterlife,
including the day of burial, protection in the tomb, judgement, and
entering the hereafter.

Digital media and recent research will be used to interactively interpret
the Book of the Dead and complete scrolls will be reassembled and
presented
in their original form for the first time.

Journey with the Book of the Dead to discover the important mythical and
spiritual ideas of ancient Egyptian life and death.