New Egyptian Galleries
NOW OPEN
Kansas City welcomes Meretites! Exciting new Egyptian galleries feature an elaborate and complete funerary assemblage from the tomb of a 2,300-year-old noblewoman, Meretites, which translated means Beloved by her Father.
Visitors have the rare opportunity to view a spectacular inner coffin and outer coffin from middle Egypt, both decorated with hieroglyphics and images of gods and goddesses. The collection includes a gilded mask and protective body plates, plus intricately carved blue and green figurines called shabtis, which were intended as workers in the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptians went to great lengths to ensure that life would continue undiminished after death. These new Nelson-Atkins galleries will give visitors a close-up view of a culture that has inspired and captivated us for centuries.
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Photography Exhibition
Exploring Egypt: 19th Century Expeditionary Photography
March 6–July 18, 2010
Gallery L11 | Free Admission
Exploring Egypt presents the 19th century photographic rediscovery of Egypt, highlighting popular sites that were visited including the pyramids, Karnak and Philae.
The William T. Kemper Foundation—Commerce Bank, Trustee, is the principal sponsor of the Egyptian galleries opening.
Outer Coffin of Meret-it-es (detail), Egyptian, Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 30th Dynasty to early Ptolemaic Dynasty, ca. 380–250 B.C.E. Wood, pigment and gesso. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust (by exchange), 2007.12.1.A–C.
Ushebti of Meret-it-es, Egyptian, Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 30th Dynasty to early Ptolemaic Dynasty, ca. 380–250 B.C.E. Faience. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust (by exchange), 2007.12.14.
Mummy mask, pectoral, apron of Meret-it-es, Egyptian, Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 30th Dynasty to early Ptolemaic Dynasty, ca. 380–250 B.C.E. Cartonnage (linen or papyrus covered in plaster), paint and gold leaf. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust (by exchange), 2007.12.3-4 A.B.
Head of Meret-it-es, lid of Inner Coffin of Meret-it-es, Egyptian, Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 30th Dynasty to early Ptolemaic Dynasty, ca. 380–250 B.C.E. Wood, pigment, gesso and gilding. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust (by exchange), 2007.12.2.A,B.
Francis Frith, English (1822-1898). The Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx, 1858. Albumen print. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2007.17.19.
