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Amulets

Magical Egypt
Tiny amulets used for great magical purposes
Art
Anthropology

Concept

The exhibition Amulets. Magical Egypt presents a refined selection of the collection of amulets held at Museo Egizio and will guide visitors through the magical world of the Land of the Pharaohs. 

The civilization of ancient Egypt was capable of building monumental works that have survived for millennia. But it also stirs great admiration in its pursuit of perfection when creating small objects. Amulets reveal a refined artistry that is of great importance. The exquisite workmanship and the elegance of their details demonstrate the skills achieved by Egyptian craftworkers in handling different materials.

More details

6 SECTIONS
The main themes of the exhibition are magic and amulets. In ancient Egypt, magic was a very important part of everyday life. It was practiced by people and gods alike. Considered effective and very powerful, it could be used in many fields, especially in medicine and healing. Amulets were essential in the practice of magic. These were small objects that were considered to be very potent, capable of protecting both the dead and the living through magical influences enhanced by manipulation.

Curatorship

Amulets. Magical Egypt is conceived and curated by the Touring Exhibition Office of Museo Egizio.

The curators are available to adapt the exhibition according to the spaces and needs of the interested museum and work together to build the best exhibition path for their venue.

Duration

3-6 months (negotiable)

Availability period

January-December 2025 January-December 2026 January-December 2027

Booking schedule

At least 6 months before the opening date (1 year even better)

Exhibits

The exhibition displays a fine selection of objects held at Museo Egizio, including many masterpieces from the collection.

Among the 315 exhibits:

  • 230 amulets

  • 2 coffins

  • 13 shabtis

  • 3 papyri

Masterpieces

Set-up contents

All contents for the exhibition panels, labels and other texts are produced by the curators of Museo Egizio. The display of Amulets. Magical Egypt includes:

Descriptive panels

An information system consisting of panels written by expert-staff from Museo Egizio will accompany the entire exhibition.

Labels

All objects will be exhibited with a label containing basic data and a description.

Multimedia contents


4 VIDEOS
The exhibition videos are made by scholars and curators from Museo Egizio, as well as other institutions.

BLOW-UPS
The amulets with the most elaborated miniature details will be accompanied by high resolution blow-ups to assist with viewing the artefacts and bring out their most distinctive features.

INFOGRAPHICS
Accompanied by infographics, selected objects will serve to illustrate biographical, mythological, or historical events depending on their specific characteristics

3D MODELS
Modern photographic techniques allow for the creation of virtual 3D models, projected as videos and, if possible, as interactive media.

Catalogue content

Museo Egizio will collaborate with the host institution to create the exhibition catalogue, providing texts and images.

List of contents

  • Introduction to the exhibition written by the Director of Museo Egizio, Christian Greco

  • A short essay written by the Exhibition Curator

  • Descriptive texts of all exhibits

  • High-resolution pictures of all exhibits

Catalogue entry example

Amulet depicting the goddess Taweret

Faïence. Late Period (722–322 BCE)  
4.5 × 1.6 × 1.8 cm  
Egypt  
Cat. 542

One of the most popular deities revered by ordinary people was the goddess Taweret, as can be seen by the numerous amulets and statuettes depicting her.

Her bizarre appearance combines various animals that inhabited the Nile valley. The goddess was in fact depicted as a hippopotamus standing with her mouth open, with lion's paws and a crocodile's tail. Her figure, which appears threatening, was considered highly apotropaic, and was able to frighten evil spirits away.

Taweret was also depicted with a prominent belly, a sign of her role as protector of motherhood and of pregnant women.

Visitor experience

Amulets are mostly distinguished by their minute size. Yet this was no obstacle for the elaborate technical virtuosity of the craftsmen, who often made them objects of inestimable workmanship. To facilitate visitor-viewing of the complex incised work and minute decorations, we will use high resolution blow-ups, in order to reflect on the very nature of the objects depicted - as their perception is affected not only by the purpose of the amulets, but also their size. 

Virtual 3D models fashioned from objects that have been created in the round, will provide for greater interaction between object and visitor. This tool fully responds to the needs of those who want to observe the piece from different angles, which would otherwise be difficult to do in a normal display. These solutions can be offered to the visitor either passively, with the display of images or videos, or actively, so that the visitor can interact with digital media adopted specially for the purpose.

Video documentaries, produced by Museo Egizio, will further enrich the educational experience, assisting with the in-depth study of topics that would otherwise be difficult to understand.

Logistics

Museo Egizio's technical staff supervises all handling and transportation procedures, ranging from packing the artefacts until their final installation at the exhibition venue. Museo Egizio provides all needed support to the local staff in order to make sure that the artefacts are handled in the most safe and secure manner.

Exhibition space

Square meters required to display the exhibition:

  • Max: 700 mq

  • Min: 500 mq

Showcase typology

All the collection items will be protected using security systems designed to prevent intentional or malicious contact by visitors; systems such as barriers and display cases equipped with alarm/detection sensors are required. The standard showcase requested by the lender should be secured, lockable and stable enough to protect the object from any vibration and/or bumps. All materials used in manufacturing have to be chemically inert without any kind of gas emission. Lighting and conditioning are not allowed inside the showcases unless otherwise specified and agreed upon in writing. 

Object support

All objects that require a purpose-built mount (from a conservation point of view) will travel with their mount.

Couriers

Max n.03 couriers

Installation

It takes about 10 working days

Gallery

© MUSEO EGIZIO, Torino 2023