The mysteries of ancient Egypt have fascinated international audiences for thousands of years, and the trend continues at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA).
The museum has always been renowned for its diverse array of ancient Egyptian objects, but a special exhibition titled "The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC," which opened this week, offers new insight into the history and rituals of Egypt's Middle Kingdom (2040-1640 BC).
A team of archaeologists from Harvard University and the MFA discovered the tomb of local governor and priest Djehutynakht and his wife, Lady Djehutynakht, in 1915 in Deir el-Bersha, a central Egyptian city on the east bank of the Nile River. For the first time since they were uncovered almost a century ago, the entire contents of the tomb are on display together for the public.
All the funerary objects in the exhibition belong to the MFA, but many had been so badly damaged by grave robbers that they were unfit for display. Thanks to countless hours of hard work by MFA conservators, the tomb has been comprehensively and artfully reconstructed in a way that makes for an easily navigable and exceptionally educational experience.
"The artistic and historical treasures found in Tomb 10A bring to life the world of 2000 BC — a time of glorious artistic achievements," Malcolm Rogers, the MFA's director, told the Daily. This is exactly what the MFA accomplishes in its display of the over 250 objects that were excavated from the tomb: a vivid experience that transports viewers into a remote culture from 4000 years ago.
Unfortunately, since robbers looted the tomb thousands of years ago, the most precious materials were stolen. What remains is a plethora of objects that are less-materially valuable but that nevertheless tell a fascinating story.
Upon entering the exhibition, the viewer is immediately confronted by a life-size sculpture of Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld, who seems to welcome guests into a tour of the afterlife. Surrounding the statue are a number of large-scale black and white photographs taken in 1915 during the original excavation of the tomb. These incredibly detailed images, as well as the dim, cavernous lighting, set the tone for the rest of the exhibition.
The subsequent room is much more crowded with objects, including the large flotilla of wooden boats that were found broken and scattered in the tomb. Gwynne Ryan, assistant conservator at the MFA, explained that reassembling the boats was like putting together "a 26,000-piece puzzle," because no adhesive was used in restoring their hand-carved pieces.
There are several other models representing aspects of the Middle Kingdom on topics from brick builders to beer makers. These objects appear to be crudely made by unskilled hands, and it isn't until the next room that the truly exquisite artistic masterpieces appear.
This room houses the objects that the MFA is most proud of: a "procession of offering bearers," Bersha coffin and a mysterious mummified head. The procession bears a striking contrast to the other carved wooden models because of its intricate detailing and carefully applied layers of paint. Its figures offer things the Djehutynakhts might need in the afterlife, including ceremonial incense, jugs of beer and cosmetic necessities to remain beautiful in death.
Next to this object is the deconstructed Bersha coffin that was built to house and transport Djehutynakht on his journey into the underworld. It is covered with incredibly detailed paintings of the things an important figure like the governor would need to be comfortable in his life after death, along with line after line of hieroglyphics offering funerary prayers to help protect him.
Directly behind the thick coffin panels is a small chamber built to exactly replicate the size of the inner chamber of the tomb. This dark room now holds the mummified head of either Djehutynakht or his wife; it remains to be determined to whom the head belonged.
This mystery is currently being explored by the MFA and Massachusetts General Hospital, and they have displayed ultra-high resolution screens showing CT scans of the head itself. This bridging of art, history and science is remarkable to see in person.
The museum offers two audio guides, one for adults and one specially designed for children, who always enter the museum for free. "The Secrets of Tomb 10A" deserves noteworthy attention for its innovative curatorial style and its precious contents, and for its family-friendly format. The price of the special exhibition is included in MFA entry cost, so Tufts students — who are admitted to the MFA for free with student identification — can see the show free of charge.
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The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC
At the Gund Gallery, through
May 16, 2010
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave
617-267-9300
