Well it was back to the Museum today, and I’m proud to say I got to see most of it this time. There were still a few bits I missed, but honestly, after a while, there is only so much you can see – no matter how old it is J A highlight in the African section was the giant tree, chair and animals they have constructed out of old guns. This idea came about as a result of a project to clean up the area’s abandoned guns after the war – and they look really cool. The Egyptian display was probably the best though. To see not only the sarcophaguses but the mummified bodies themselves is quite an experience. Just think how old they are, still embalmed after all these years. There were also mummified falcons, baboons, cats, cow calves, crocodiles, fish and other creatures. The body of an elderly Egyptian lady was on display, and had been unwrapped completely from her tomb. You could practically see the expression on her face, and there was a hole above her waist where her internal organs would have been removed. There are original jars where organs were kept, and mini statues designed to be placed in the tomb with the deceased so as to serve them in the afterlife. Real servants would have been most pleased with this development, as it meant they were no longer killed for the same task once their master died. The figures could do the job instead. There were even examples of mummified bread and duck that were placed in the tombs for the afterlife, still remarkably preserved. Of course not everyone was rich enough to be embalmed. So it was interesting to see the contrast between those buried in different ways. In one display case was a man who had been buried directly in the hot desert sand and he is remarkable preserved. Although this method of burial became a problem for many, as animals were digging up the bodies. Therefore the Egyptians began to bury bodies in primitive coffins made of wood. However as the body wasn’t up against the sand, it quickly deteriorated, so there is nothing left but bones. It was really interesting to see the difference. I deliberately allocated time to fit in the tour of Egypt being run at the Museum, this was most interesting, particularly the translation of one of the hieroglyphic stones, which was a testament of what one particular Egyptian Prince (Rahotpe) wanted placed with him in his tomb for the afterlife. The slab spelt out his name (three times), his position (King’s son), his job (Priest) and his requests, including food and eye makeup. The drawing of the lotus flower apparently means one thousand of each item – so he requested 1,000 linens, wines, perfumes and loaves of bread. Think of the people that could have fed!
There are a number of hands-on exhibits too, where Museum staff allow you to handle ancient objects and tell you more about them. I got to hold a figurine of an old Roman God, amongst other things. The staff are so nice and helpful – and the guy could tell I was from Australia, because he’s been, so we had a good chat. Then it was on to the ancient money section. There was an ancient jug found about 20 years ago full of Roman coins and a ring – it was really delicate, but we got to hold it. There were examples of coin forgeries, yes apparently it has always gone on. The main difference was size, the forgeries were slightly smaller than they should have been. People also used to cut off the excess silver from around the edge of the coins and sell it. If they did it right they could usually still get away with using the coin too. Coins were also used for propaganda back in the day, with one coin depicting a Jew crying on the ground next to a Roman soldier after being defeated in an attempted uprising. The coin served as a warning to other Jews not to try something similar.
There were a series of ancient stamps, warheads (including the oldest warhead known to be in existence at 1.5 million years old), and clocks - there were some truly awesome clocks. One in particular was a golden ship from around 1585, which was intended to announce banquets at court. Music would come from the little organ inside, and all the little men would march out on deck. The ship would even travel across the table and the cannons would fire. Fancy hey! Pity it doesn’t work any more L
So after feeling I had travelled the ancient worlds of Egypt, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, I had seen most of what the Museum had to offer. Well worth the visit though. Then it was off to dinner at a fancy restaurant, The Blue Door, well I didn’t realise it was that fancy till I went inside. You know, one of those places where they put the napkin on your lap and offer you free tasters. Felt a little guilty for only ordering a main!
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