Mummification at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

Wrapped Mummy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

Wrapped Mummy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a large Egyptian art section open for viewing. They even have a small “pyramid” for visitors to enter so they can see some very interesting carvings on the stones. These carvings, called reliefs, shallow ones which seem to be quite difficult to make. In fact, I would have no idea how to make such things. That is just one of the many interesting exhibits at the museum. They also have numerous Egyptian statues on display here which can be considered typical stereotypical Egyptian art. However, what is probably most representative of Egyptian art is probably one of their most famous rituals – mummification.

Decorated Sarcophagi  at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Decorated Sarcophagi at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ask anyone about ancient Egypt and nine times out of ten people would mentions mummies. Mummification is the Egyptian way of handling the bodies of their loved ones. As every horror movie enthusiast knows, the body is prepared then wrapped in cloth. But it doesn’t end there, there is a sarcophagus which will keep the wrapped body. Sometimes, I would see some sarcophagi which seem to be too tight, then again, it probably doesn’t matter much it is really is too tight. The sarcophagi are sometimes very richly decorated with the image of the deceased. I was surprised to see the sarcophagi would also have layers. I saw one exhibits which has more than one sarcophagus used. I’m not sure of the reason why they can have more than one, maybe it is more for the richer folk to practice.

[xmlgm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/MetropolitanMuseumofArtNewYork.kmz} zoom=19]