For those finding themselves in Albany this winter, there is more to do than shovel snow. A major traveling exhibition at the Albany Insititute tells the story of archaeologist William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853 – 1942) and his exploration of ancient Egyptian civilization. Petrie, named the “Father of Egyptian Archaeology” for his innovations and contributions to the field (and the inspiration for the film hero Indiana Jones”) worked in Egypt for well over half a century. EXCAVATING EGYPT features 221 of his most significant finds--many never before seen by the public.
The Albany Institute is the only Northeast venue for the exhibition, and the second stop on a national tour that began in April 2005 at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University in Atlanta. The exhibition will then travel across the continent, making stops in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Toronto, Chicago and Seattle.
The 221 artifacts in EXCAVATING EGYPT tell the story of the earliest people of Egypt. The objects, hidden away in secret storage facilities throughout London at the beginning of World War II, are part of a remarkable collection of “firsts,” and include:
- a fragment of mankind’s first calendar (2900 BC)
- the earliest examples of metalwork in Egypt
- the earliest examples of glazing
- the oldest wills, written on papyrus
- the first worked iron beads
- the oldest bead-net dress
- the earliest “cylinder seal” in Egypt (3500 BC)
- Ancient Egyptian masons’ models for pyramids
Early examples of: stone carvings in limestone, granite, and quartzite; glasswork; ceramics; furniture; beauty and grooming instruments; games, including Senet boards and playing pieces; jewelry; weights and measures; tools; and weaponry.
EXCAVATING EGYPT offer a clear view into the lives of ancient Egyptians, both royal and commoner. The exhibition also focuses on the history of archaeology in Egypt and showcases Petrie’s innovative methods and theories, including ancient manufacturing techniques and ceramic development. In addition, the exhibition will draw upon archival material, including photographs, excavation notes and personal journals that will bring to life the science of archaeology during its infancy, as seen through the eyes of one of its greatest pioneers.
The exhibition runs from January 21 through June 4, 2006.
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