Pharaoh’s Animal Kingdom

The animals that lived in the Nile River, on its fertile banks, and in the surrounding desert regions played a central role in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. They were an important source of food and clothing, served for transportation, and enriched their lives as pets.

The Egyptians also saw the superhuman abilities of animals, such as the ability to fly or hear distant sounds, as symbols of inherent divine powers. Therefore, they chose them to represent their gods and goddesses and even attributed magical significance to them.

The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the unique relationship between the ancient Egyptians and the animal world. It is the first exhibition in the Israel Museum’s Archaeology Wing primarily designed for children. Through reliefs, paintings, sculptures, amulets, and jewelry from the Museum’s Egyptian collection – some displayed for the first time – visitors will discover the central roles animals played in the daily and religious lives of Egyptians during the time of the pyramids and pharaohs.

 

The exhibition was made possible by The William Davidson Foundation, Detroit