MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 30 November
Egypt: Beyond the Tomb – Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt and An Egyptian Summer at Te Papa
Te Papa and proud sponsor The Dominion Post are delighted to present Egypt: Beyond the Tomb – an exhibition that brings
the ancient Egyptian world of the dead to life, opening Saturday 9 December 2006 at Te Papa.
Egypt: Beyond the Tomb explores death and the afterlife in Ancient Egypt through the story of Keku, a young woman and
daughter of Namenekhamun, Chief Butcher in the temple complex of the god Amun in Thebes. The 2700-year-old mummy of Keku
and her intricately decorated inner and outer coffins plus over 200 other ancient Egyptian burial treasures are
presented in the exhibition.
The mummy of Keku will be displayed in her own room in the centre of the exhibition, so that the presentation of her
mortal remains is dignified, and visitors have a choice as to whether they wish to view her.
The exhibition explores how researchers have pieced together Keku’s story from the diverse clues that her civilisation
left behind. Visitors will be able to follow her preparations for death and her perilous journey through the underworld
towards the eternal afterlife.
Mummification and embalming tools are featured in the exhibition, for example, a hook used to extract the brain of the
deceased through their nose is used to explain part of the embalming process. Mummified animals, amulets to protect the
dead on their underworld journey, and papyri with spells from the ‘Book of the Dead’ will be on display. The exhibition
also includes other rare and beautiful artefacts such as jewellery and earthenware.
“This is a rare opportunity to gain insight into the lives of an ancient civilisation – through their treasures and
stories we learn about the rituals, beliefs and values of the enchanting ancient Egyptian culture. We acknowledge the
support of The Dominion Post in bringing Egypt: Beyond the Tomb to Te Papa, to share the story of Keku and her life’s
journey through this fascinating exhibition,” said Dr Seddon Bennington, Te Papa’s Chief Executive.
"The Dominion Post is excited to again be partnering with another Wellington icon, Te Papa, and enabling this major
exhibition to be brought to Wellington,” said Paul Williams, Marketing Manager, The Dominion Post.
“The Dominion Post has previously sponsored other major Te Papa exhibitions including Space: A galaxy of adventure,
Dinosaurs from China, and Antarctic Heroes. These have all been huge hits with visitors to Te Papa, and our readers
alike. We are in no doubt that Egypt: Beyond the Tomb will also be a resounding success, and we are very pleased to be
associated with this exhibition,” he said.
This exhibition has been developed by the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden, The
Netherlands. It will be accompanied by a stimulating series of events for visitors of all ages, with highlights over the
summer holidays.
The mysteries of Ancient Egypt have intrigued young and old since the first discoveries of this fascinating
civilisation. Step into the world of the ancient Egyptians, where life exists beyond the tomb.
Egypt: Beyond the Tomb
9 December 2006 – 29 April 2007
The TOWER Gallery, Level 4.
Admission charges apply.
Adults $9.50
Children (4–-14 years) $4.50
Family (2 adults, 2 children) $20
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EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA EVENTS PROGRAMME
TUESDAY 26, WEDNESDAY 27, & THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER: 12 NOON – 2PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: DOGS AND JACKALS
Learn to play the ancient Egyptian game Dogs and Jackals. Take your own version home with you! The Marae, Level 4. Free
entry
SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER – SUNDAY 28 JANUARY: 10AM – 6PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: TE PAPA CAPSULE
Complete a sheet with information about yourself for Te Papa’s time capsule. The capsule will be buried at 12 noon,
Sunday 28 January. Free entry.
SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER – TUESDAY 2 JANUARY: 11AM – 4PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: EGYPTIAN TRAIL
Kids, collect a trail sheet (Information Desk, Level 2) and follow the clues to find four Egyptian hieroglyphs hidden
around Te Papa. Prizes for all completed sheets! Free entry.
SATURDAY 6 JANUARY – SUNDAY 7 JANUARY: 11AM – 1PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: FACE PAINTING
Hey kids, come and meet the Body FX team and have your face painted in Egyptian style! The Amphitheatre, Level 1. (Wet
weather venue: the overbridge outside the TOWER Gallery, Level 4.) Free entry.
SATURDAY 6 JANUARY – SUNDAY 7 JANUARY: 12 NOON – 12.40PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: GODS OF THE UNDERWORLD
Join two of Wellington’s best storytellers, Moira Wairama and Tony Hopkins, for tales of Egyptian and Mäori gods of the
afterlife. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry
SUNDAY 14 JANUARY: 12 NOON – 1PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: ANIMALS OF EGYPT
Join staff from Wellington Zoo to investigate what animals live in Egypt. Explore what’s unique about them and how
they’re different from New Zealand animals.
Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.
SATURDAY 20 JANUARY: 12 NOON – 12.30PM & 1PM – 1.30PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: MOONJELLY BELLYDANCE
Let Moonjelly Bellydance introduce you to the mystery, colour, and grace of this ancient Middle Eastern dance form. The
Marae, Level 4. Free entry.
SUNDAY 21 JANUARY: 12 NOON – 12.45PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: DANCE COSTUMES OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Enjoy a colourful presentation of Middle Eastern dance costumes by Beverley Dowling and the students of Moonjelly
Bellydance. The Marae, Level 4. Free entry
MONDAY 22 JANUARY: 12 NOON – 1PM
EGYPTIAN SUMMER @ TE PAPA: TANGERINE
Savour the music of the Middle East with Tangerine, formed by local musicians Liz Merton, Tim Barrie, and Alan Burden.
The Marae, Level 4. Free entry.
PODCAST
Check out our podcasts for an insight into Te Papa’s Egyptian collection through the eyes of Ross O’Rourke, Collection
Manager, Foreign and Antiquities at www.tepapa.govt.nz/Egypt/podcasts/
ENDS