New exhibition about animal mummies opens at Kelvingrove Art Gallery

A fascinating, myth-busting new exhibition looking at ancient Egyptian animal mummies, prepared in their millions as offerings to the gods, is opening at Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow this Saturday (May 14).
By The Newsroom
Published 11th May 2016, 10:11 BST
Updated 11th May 2016, 11:17 BST
Dr Campbell Price with an animal mummyDr Campbell Price with an animal mummy
Dr Campbell Price with an animal mummy

The show, based on research carried out by the University of Manchester, has been curated by former Douglas Academy pupil Dr Campbell Price.

Gifts for the Gods: Animal Mummies Revealed will feature over 60 animal mummies and runs until Sunday, September 4.

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From bound crocodiles, entombed cats, mummified jackals and completely uncovered birds the exhibition will explore how imaging technology, such as CT scans and x-rays, reveals the contents of animal mummies and enhances our understanding of this period. Gifts for the Gods will appeal to those fascinated by Egypt, while challenging many commonly held beliefs by investigating the background behind the religious practice and probing the finds of British explorers.

Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “Ancient Egypt is one of the most visited galleries and one of the most popular schools workshops we offer, so we are delighted to host this incredible touring exhibition at Kelvingrove across the summer.

“Our experience shows that Egyptian exhibitions are very popular. This promises to be as captivating, exploring how images of animals could be used to communicate with the gods. The experts liken the symbolic offerings to paying for and lighting a candle in church today, something many of us can relate to.”

Dr Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan, Manchester Museum, who comes from Milngavie, said: “This exhibition is an exciting opportunity to share cutting-edge research by scientists at the University of Manchester. We want to show that the vast majority of mummified animals were not pets but sacred gifts given by the ancient Egyptians to their many gods. Science has helped Egyptologists understand the scale and complexity of animal mummification – and why the mummies were as popular with pilgrims in ancient times as they are with museum visitors today”

Tickets cost £5 per adult and £3 per concession, children under 16 are free. For more information visit www.glasgowmuseums.com

Related topics:GlasgowArchie GrahamScience