Discover life in Egypt before the pyramids and mummies at a major new Victoria Gallery & Museum exhibition, featuring internationally important collections of Predynastic Egyptian and Nubian artefacts from the University of Liverpool’s Garstang Museum of Archaeology.
Before Egypt delves into the prehistoric past of Egypt and Nubia, to explore the ways in which early art, culture and politics were influenced by the unique geography of the Nile Valley.
Exhibition curator, Dr Gina Criscenzo-Laycock said: “When people think of Egypt they tend to think of pyramids and gold masks, mummies and animal headed gods, but where did the people who created these wonders come from?
Ivory amulet in the shape of a bull’s head, around 5500 years old. Image © Retrograde Photography
“Who was Neith-hotep, the first woman in the world whose name survives to this day? Was she a queen, or was she Egypt’s first Pharaoh?
“This exhibition is an exciting opportunity to talk about how we interpret ancient evidence, and invites visitors to examine their own preconceptions and preferences.”
Many of the artefacts showcased, some dating from as early as 7,000 years ago, have never previously been on public display.
A predynastic pot showing boat people, from which the top image is reconstructed
The exhibition culminates with the beginning of the Pharaonic Age in around 3000BC.
It includes artefacts and objects in the Garstang collection that were found in the tomb of Neith-hotep, which suggest this remarkable woman may have been more than ‘just’ a Queen.
The show is supplemented by loans of key objects from other UK museums.
Before Egypt opens at the Victoria Gallery & Museum on May 11 and runs until October 31 2019. Entry is free. To find out more, please visit http://vgm.liverpool.ac.uk/exhibitions-and-events/special/before-egypt/