A temporary exhibition on ancient Egyptian food at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
Under the title "Ancient Egyptian Food: Between Life, Death, and Worship," the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square organized a temporary exhibition highlighting the importance of food to ancient Egyptians, both in worldly and religious life. The exhibition, which is located in Hall 43 on the upper floor, will run for three months and is open to visitors at no additional cost to the museum admission ticket. The exhibition includes a variety of distinguished artifacts from the museum, including miniature models of the bread eaten by ancient Egyptians in various shapes and sizes, a model of the ancient Egyptian kitchen, showing the various stages of food preparation, food offering dishes, models of food offerings, and tools used in food preparation and grinding grain, in addition to paintings depicting scenes from various religious feasts and celebrations. The statue of the offering bearer is one of the most prominent artifacts in the exhibition, embodying the importance of offerings in the religious life of the ancient Egyptians. This statue is considered a wonderful example of ancient Egyptian art, demonstrating the Egyptian artist's skill in depicting fine details and providing valuable information about the clothing and jewelry worn by ancient Egyptian women. Dr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Museums Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the exhibition aims to highlight the importance of food in the lives of the ancient Egyptians and how it was an integral part of their daily lives and religious beliefs. It also highlights the ancient Egyptians' skills in agriculture, hunting, and food preparation. The ancient Egyptian table was distinguished by its diversity and richness in nutrients, as they relied on agriculture, hunting, and animal husbandry to secure their food. Bread, made from wheat and barley, was essential to their diet and economy. Dr. Ali Abdel Halim, Director General of the Museum, confirmed that archaeological sources have revealed various methods of preparing bread, from firm dough shaped by hand to liquid dough poured into clay molds. Bread was not just a food; it played a pivotal role in religious and funerary rituals, as the Egyptians considered it a means of communicating with the gods and gaining their favor. It was offered in temples and shrines throughout the country, and these offerings varied between food, drink, and precious materials, each carrying symbolic significance. Offerings were not limited to the gods; they were also presented to the dead in their tombs, ensuring they would receive nourishment in the afterlife. Offering tables were carved into tomb walls and decorated with images of food, in the belief that these would transform into actual nourishment for the deceased in the afterlife. The exhibition also offers a unique experience, featuring a showcase displaying modern models of various types of ancient Egyptian bread, produced using various sources available from temple wall engravings, ritual scenes, and scenes of ancient Egyptian daily life.
