LECTURE SERIES: Why an Ibis? Mummifying Animals in Ancient Egypt

In this lecture series we will feature international archaeologists, curators and scholars who will share their insights into ancient Egyptian life, art, funerary practices, and material culture. We will also delve into Egyptomania- Western culture's fascination with ancient Egypt as well as recent scientific advances that have led to new revelations about the mummies seen by four generations of Albany Institute audiences.

Salima Ikram, Egyptology Unit Head, Professor of Egyptology, American University Cairo

One of the world's leading experts on animal mummies, Salima Ikram, will present the different types of animal mummies (food, pets, votive offerings, sacred creatures) and explain how they were made, the reasons for making them, as well as the theological and aesthetic decisions that went into their "packaging". She will also discuss how animal mummies reflect the ways in which the ancient Egyptians interacted with the animal world, and how they influence our view of the ancient Egyptians.

FREE with museum admission.

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