Display offers a glimpse into ancient world
THE wonders of ancient Egypt have been transported to Rochdale, in a fascinating new exhibition at Touchstones. Here local historian runs the rule over some of the artefacts. LMOST all of the and was very successful. items on display He used his wealth to once belonged to a help fund the work of the local businessman, well known Mr William Charles Heape, who was Flinders Petrie, an archaeologist interested in Egyptology. who was excavating
Having spent a great in Egypt. deal of time in Australia, Both became good he returned to England to friends, and a large selection seek education at Manchester. of their correspondence exist today.
He became a partner in Petrie spent time in a calico printing company Rochdale staying with the
AHeape family at home, Glebe House. their
●●CERAMIC Soul House, 2000-1800 BC.
A model of a house made of ceramic was buried with the dead for use in afterlife. It was quite literally a house for the soul. Models of this type give an idea of the design of the houses. The flat roof providing an outdoor living and sleeping space when the nights were too warm to sleep indoors. The front of the house was open which would allow ventilation throughout the house having a cooling effect.
●●CANOPIC Jars. 716-943 BC.
When we think about mummification, our thoughts are in Egypt. Egyptian beliefs were that the human body should be preserved. A method of artificial preservation called mummification was developed by the ancient Egyptians. It was during this process that major organs were removed and placed in stone canopic jars.
The stomach, intestines, liver and lungs would be placed in four canopic jars.
The set on display were found in the temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the ancient city of Thebes.
Ancient Egypt: Life along the River Nile, which runs until April 2018, spans over 4,000 years of history.
Vessels and pots, amulets, mirrors, tools and animal mummies tell the story of everyday life in ancient Egypt.
Visitors can learn how write their name in hieroglyphics, learn to prepare and wrap a mummy and take a ride in an ancient Egyptian river boat.