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Guess who we’re unwrapping at dinner?
At society evenings in 19th-century Europe, it was not uncommon for hosts to entertain their guests by unwrapping a mummy taken by tomb robbers in Egypt. In those days, some people even ground the mummies’ bones into powder for medicinal purposes. It’s not surprising, then, that few of ancient Egypt’s 70 million mummies remain!
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Tombs of eternity

Are there mummies after death?


Embark on a fascinating journey between death and perpetual life by way of a captivating exhibition, Tombs of Eternity: The Afterlife in Ancient Egypt. Your entire life may still be before you, but we advise you to hurry and walk like an Egyptian in the recreated pharaoh’s tomb at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau!


Cliquez pour agrandir...

You’ll be immersed in a civilization that reigned supreme for 3,000 years as you explore a recreated tomb dating back four millennia and feast your eyes on 200 rare artifacts. Divided into seven sections, this exhibition sheds light on the ancient Egyptians’ fascination with eternal life, a belief that's still held today!





Beneath the sands of time


Cliquez pour agrandir...Sand is a wonderful thing, for not only is it an extraordinary filter, but it also preserves objects and other vestiges of our past. In fact, we have Egypt’s desert to thank for the preservation of scores artifacts we are able to behold today. What’s more, the pyramids constructed in the days of the pharaohs were used to bury a multitude of mummies in a fascinating ritual that’s revealed during our visit. It’s surprising to see just how complex and modern the Egyptians’ funerary arts were!

Save my soul


Cliquez pour agrandir...Discover the mythical structure known as the mastaba. The upper portion of the construction was a chapel where the living would speak the deceased's name to help him survive in his new eternal life. It was also where offerings would be laid. Beneath this portion of the mastaba lay the mysterious underground funeral chamber that held the mummy, along with many objects the deceased might need in the afterlife.


The same wig two days in a row? Tut tut...


Cliquez pour agrandir...The ancient Egyptians were extremely fond of adornments: elaborate jewellery, make-up that highlighted the eyes and reflected the sun’s rays, many often extravagant wigs. This emphasis on physical appearance continued into the afterworld, as evidenced by the spectacular tombs where the mummies were laid to rest. Speaking of mummies, as you make your way to the end of the exhibition, a highlight is the chance to see three specimens with your very own eyes!

Be sure to discover the intriguing world of Egyptian mummies before the exhibition is wrapped up for good! 

At the Canadian Museum of Civilizations, in Gatineau, until August 16, 2009.

Egypto-mania: it’s child’s play!
Cliquez pour agrandir...Gone is the era where one had to sacrifice family spirit to attend an exhibition: Tombs of Eternity has a youth component that everyone can enjoy! In each of the seven sections, youngsters will have fun and learn as they take part in entertaining and educational activities! So why not go head to head with your kids in a game of Dogs and Jackals?  

Imax film Mummies, Secrets of the Pharaohs
Cliquez pour agrandir...This Imax feature film is the perfect complement to the exhibition. Larger-than-life images on screen reveal how Egypt’s pharaohs, such as the great Ramses II, were embalmed several millennia ago. Even more captivating, the film follows researchers as they try to reproduce the ancient embalming techniques by genetically analyzing mummies. Thanks to the mummies' DNA, modern medicine will perhaps be able to cure certain diseases! 

Sylvain Lacoursière
Photos: Canadian museum of civilization
2009-04-08

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