Study a specific mummy currently displayed in a museum (choose from the following list of options). Describe
the life of the living person in ancient Egypt, the reasons for their mummification, and their burial process; then
describe how and where the mummy was re-discovered in modernity, and how and why it has moved from
Egypt to its current museum display. Explore the tensions between the life and death of this person in ancient
Egypt compared to their afterlife as a museum artifact. Submit either a text of 550-600 words or a 4-5 minute
video/audio recording.
- Choose one from the following list of options:
A/ Djed-Djehuty-Iuef-Ankh at the Ashmolean Museum [link (Links to an external site.)]
B/ Meresamun at the Ashmolean Museum [link (Links to an external site.)]
C/ Nephthys at the Met Museum [link (Links to an external site.)]
D/ Ukhnhotep at the Met Museum [link (Links to an external site.)] - Points to Address in Your Text
In your text/recording, discuss as much of the following criteria as possible. Oftentimes you will find that we
actually don't know all the answers, or that the museum does not provide the information. That is okay, and is
actually of interest for us, as in this course we are always wondering: What sort of information is available, and
why?
What was the name of the deceased, their profession, and where and when did they live?
Do we know anything about their burial rituals, and what sort of burial gifts/equipment was included with or
alongside their mummy?
How did their coffin look like, and what do we know about it?
Where were they buried?
What happened after they were buried? Was the mummy archaeologically excavated or purchased in the
antiquities market? Perhaps both? How did it come to be part of a museum collection? Is the museum
providing straight-forward information or is it a bit confusing?
Where and when is the mummy now displayed? Who can now view it?
What sort of scientific tests were done to the mummified body, when, and why? What did they reveal? - Add Your Own Perspective:
How did you find the scope of information provided by the museum website? Was there any information you
wanted to know but did not have access to?
What is your opinion of the deceased current display?
What could the museum do in order to improve?
https://www.ashmolean.org/djed-djehuty-iuef-ankh-mummy#/
https://www.ashmolean.org/mummy-of-meresamun#/
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/590947
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/558143
Sample Solution