Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection Berlin
Collection:
Daily life
The environment of ancient Egypt was moulded though geo-climatic conditions. Secured borders, natural resources and the Nile used for transport and water, all contributed to the development of an ancient high civilization. The wealth of the country is, however, not reflected by objects of daily use but by the furnishings which were placed in the graves including agricultural tool, ceramics furniture and jewellery, all of which were produced for eternity.
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Temple Relief: Feeding of Pelicans and Breeding Birds; Building of a Papyrus Boat
Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty, ca. 2375 B.C.
Abu Gurob, Sun complex of Nyuserre, 'Four-Seasons-room'
Limestone
Height 56 cm, width 86 cm
Inv.-No. 20037
Since the beginning of the 4th Dynasty the kings call themselves 'son of the sungod Re'. In the honour of this god the kings of the 5th dynasty erected special cult centres in the middle of which an obelisk was placed. Especially famous is the sun complex of Nyuserre with its reliefs showing the world of animals and plants which reflect the influence of the sun on nature during the course of the year. The accompanying text describes the way of life of these animals. -
Model of a Silo
Middle Kingdom
12th Dynastie, ca. 1800 B.C.
Wood
Length 41 cm
Inv.-No. 12548
At the beginning of the Middle Kingdom (2000-1640 B.C.) wall decoration in the graves is replaced by 3-dimensional models. They had the same function as previously the relief decorations in the chapels: They were there to secure the deceased continuous supplies and existence in the afterworld. The model of the silo secured the deceased availability of corn throughout all eternity. -
Model of a Rowing Boat with Crew
Middle Kingdom
12. Dynastie, ca. 1900 B.C.
Thebes-West, grave of Mentuhotep
Wood
Length 100 cm
Inv.-No. 12
The models of boats were a necessity and a status-symbol, providing for a luxurious life in the netherworld. Mentuhotep took with him his boat and crew; sitting under the baldachin he is travelling on the Nile in the netherworld in comfort. This boat was found together with many other models and offerings in the grave of this superintendent of goods of Thebes. -
Two Hippopotami
Middle Kingdom
12th Dynasty, ca. 1800 B.C.
Faience
Length 4,8 cm and 9 cm
Inv.-No. 13892, 13890
Amongst the numerous faience figurines of the Middle kingdom varying in colour from dark to light green and blue, the small hippopotamus figurines have a special position. The animal was represented very realistically and the plants, such as water lilies, papyrus and lotus plants, representing the environment in which they lived, were painted on their bodies. -
Two Vessels: One in Form of a Fish and One with Attached Prisoner Figures
New Kingdom
18th Dynasty, ca. um 1450 B.C.
Ceramic, red polished
Height 14,5 cm and 10,5 cm
Inv.-No. 20705, 13155
Not very frequent are small ceramic vessels which are formed in the shape of animals or with attached plastic decorations. Usually these bottle shaped vessels are meant to contain unguents or oils. -
Cosmetic case: Travel Container for Cosmetics with Seven Vessels
2nd Intermediate Period, ca. 1700 B.C.
Theben-West, Grave of the Queen Mentuhotep
Palm, Papyrus, Stone
Height (in total.) 42,7 cm
Inv.-No. 1177/1, 1179, 1181
The container consists of a basket with lid and inside 6 separately worked subdivisions as well as a delicately woven stand. Inside 7 small vessels still sealed and containing precious oils, and a small spoon were found. The travelling cosmetic case was taken by the queen to the grave in order to have all the amenities of this world also available in the afterworld.
The Time of Nefertiti
Last updates: text (12.05.08), pictures (12.04.08)
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