10/18/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EXHIBITION AT MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON, UNLOCKS THE SECRETS OF TOMB 10A: EGYPT 2000 BC
Four-thousand-year-old Painted 'Bersha Coffin,' Collection of Models, and Mummified Head among Middle Kingdom Treasures on View Together for first time
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BOSTON, MA (October 13, 2009)—They survived two fires, the onslaught of robbers, and the effects of four thousand years underground. Now, these masterworks from an Egyptian tomb of the Middle Kingdom (2040–1640 BC) are on view together for the first time in a special exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), beginning October 18, 2009. The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC showcases funerary objects discovered in Deir el-Bersha, a necropolis in central Egypt, by the joint Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition in 1915. This find represents the largest Middle Kingdom burial assemblage ever discovered and sheds light on the grand lifestyle enjoyed by local governor and priest Djehutynakht and his wife, Lady Djehutynakht, for whom the tomb was built. Objects range from the famous “Bersha coffin”—a masterpiece of Egyptian painting—to the mummified head of either the governor or his wife. Also included are hundreds of items deemed necessary for a comfortable afterlife in ancient Egypt. The conservation and reconstruction of many of the items—damaged by grave robbers in antiquity—have taken almost a century to complete. For the first time since they were placed in the tomb, the assemblage is displayed in its entirety, and will be on view through May 16, 2010.
The exhibition is supported by Bank of America. Major funding is provided by The Calderwood Charitable Foundation. Additional support for the exhibition is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The Secrets of Tomb 10A brings ancient Egypt to life for visitors of all ages. Installed in the first gallery are large archival photographs of the expedition that unearthed the secrets of Tomb 10A, which capture the thrill of the original discovery. Complementing the wall text and labels throughout are two audio guides—one for children, which explains the layout of the exhibition and the Egyptians’ belief in the afterlife, and another for adults, which describes in greater detail the significance of the finds made in 1915. The exhibition examines mysteries surrounding the Djehutynakhts: their lifestyle, the fate of their possessions after they were buried, and whether the mummified head belongs to Djehutynakht or his wife. It also offers an engaging introduction to evolving funerary practices in Egypt from the 11th through 13th dynasties and provides insights into daily life of the high officials of the time.
“This exploration of ancient Egypt provides a window into one of the most fascinating civilizations in history,” said Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA. “The artistic and historical treasures found in Tomb 10A bring to life the world of 2000 BC—a time of glorious artistic achievements. By revealing what the Djehutynakhts considered most important for their journey to the afterlife, the exhibition offers a better understanding of the Middle Kingdom, the least known of Egypt’s major eras.”
Featured are more than 250 objects, many of which have never before been on view. These include four beautifully painted coffins, cult objects, vessels for food and drink, furniture, jewelry, walking sticks, and sealed beer jars (one of which will be opened and examined during the run of the exhibition). The exhibition also showcases the largest known collection of wooden models from the Middle Kingdom representing, in miniature form, a range of activities and items that would have been found on the couple’s estate.
Objects in the gallery highlight the historical significance of the Middle Kingdom, a period when the relationship between the pharaoh and his provincial governors characterized the politics of the day. Other key themes of the exhibition include an exploration of the nature and meaning of the grave goods discovered in the Djehutynakhts’ tomb, the evolving interest in the Deir el-Bersha tombs over the course of almost two centuries, and a comparative look at other funerary practices of Dynasties 12 and 13 (1991–1642 BC). Also on view is a section devoted to the expedition that unearthed the treasures of Tomb 10A and more recent discoveries made at Deir el-Bersha.
Famous “Bersha Coffin”
The beautifully crafted cedar outer coffin of Governor Djehutynakht, an unparalleled masterpiece of Middle Kingdom painting resplendent with accomplished brushwork and brilliant colors, figures prominently in The Secrets of Tomb 10A. Measuring 8 feet by 4 feet (and 4 feet deep), it is disassembled in the exhibition to show the exquisite painting on the inside of its panels, so placed for the governor’s exclusive viewing. Rich in detail and symbolism, many of the painted images depict food, drink, clothing, weapons, and other provisions for the afterlife. There are many items of religious significance, including an intricately decorated false door through which Djehutynakht’s ka, or life force, could easily pass between the worlds of the living and the dead. The governor can be seen sitting in front of this door, inhaling incense offered by his son and surrounded by other objects useful for his new existence. Many of the goods found in the tomb replicate those depicted on the coffin. Above the depiction of Djehutynakht and his funerary goods are two rows of large, painted hieroglyphs consisting of a funerary prayer requesting offerings from the king and the god Osiris. Incised cursive hieroglyphs record the Coffin Texts, a collection of funerary rituals and spells that are laid out in vertical columns. Nearly 200 individual spells are included so that they may protect and guide Governor Djehutynakht in his journey to the afterlife. In its entirety, the coffin’s design, decoration, incised texts and prayers for the dead, as well as map through the underworld, work together to facilitate their occupant’s passage to the afterlife and sustain the ka for eternity.
Thanks to careful record keeping and conservation, the Museum is able to capture the essence of the original tomb. Befitting their high status, the governor and his wife were both buried in decorated rectangular wooden coffins placed within larger coffins, all made of thick cedar of Lebanon boards. (Lady Djehutynakht had two outer coffins, but the outermost one was almost totally destroyed by robbers and left at the site by the expedition.) Only the wealthiest Egyptians of the period could afford such preparations. Coffins were the most costly items of tomb equipment and were considered vessels to transport the deceased to the afterlife. Mummified bodies were placed on their left side with the head facing the false door. In that way, through a pair of wedjat eyes painted on the inside of the coffin and in a corresponding place on its exterior, they could view their journey to the afterlife.
The Secrets of Tomb 10A also showcases Lady Djehutynakht’s decorated coffins, which, like her husband’s, were carved and painted inside, with ornamental hieroglyphs along the top, and false doors, offering lists, and Coffin Texts on the panels. However, these are less detailed and do not contain the requisite map through the underworld. In addition to her coffins, Lady Djehutynakht’s jewelry is included in the exhibition as illustrated by the exquisite blue-green faience Broad collar (about 2040–1783 BC) and a gold bracelet.
“We are thrilled to present this material for the first time. It has been a privilege to study it now that our talented conservators have restored it to its original splendor. The consummate skill of the ancient artists is revealed for all to see and enjoy,” said Rita E. Freed, John F. Cogan, Jr. and Mary L. Cornille Chair of the MFA’s Department of Art of the Ancient World, who organized the exhibition with department curators Lawrence M. Berman, Norma Jean Calderwood Senior Curator of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art, and Denise M. Doxey, curator of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art.
Djehutynakht, whose name means “(the god) Thoth is Strong,” is believed to have been a governor, or nomarch, of the district of Hermopolis in Middle Egypt who lived during the reign of one or more of three possible rulers of Dynasty 11 and 12: Mentuhotep III (2010–1998 BC), Mentuhotep IV (1998–1991 BC), or Amenemhat I (1991–1961 BC). He also held the titles of “controller of the two thrones” and “overseer of priests.” After the collapse of the Great Pyramid age of the Old Kingdom (around 2143–2100 BC), there was no central government in Egypt. This resulted in the formation of powerful provincial centers during the First Intermediate Period (about 2100–2040 BC). The country was reunified in the Middle Kingdom, but local governors still retained power. Because Hermopolis was at the juncture of the previously warring northern and southern Egyptian kingdoms, as a high official, Djehutynakht likely played a role in the politics of the region.
His tomb is located in Deir el-Bersha, named after the nearby modern village, about 186 miles south of Cairo on the east bank of the Nile, across from the ancient site of Hermopolis. Tomb 10A was discovered in 1915 by MFA registrar Hanford Lyman Story, a member of the Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition in Egypt (1915–1947) that is known primarily for unearthing thousands of objects at Giza and amassing the largest archaeological documentary archive of any expedition there. It was led by George Reisner, called the “Father of American Egyptology,” a professor of Egyptology at Harvard who founded the expedition and later became curator of the Egyptology Department at the MFA. The material discovered at Deir el-Bersha was divided between the Boston expedition and the Egyptian government, with the entirety of the jumbled contents of Tomb 10A awarded to Boston. Because of World War I, objects were stored in Egypt for safekeeping, finally leaving for Boston in 1921. More drama followed. The cargo ship carrying them caught fire, and the crates were damaged by water. Luckily, this final assault on the contents of the Djehutynakhts’ tomb was minor.
Excavation and Scientific Research
Documentary photos in The Secrets of Tomb 10A chronicle the 1915 excavation of the necropolis at Deir el-Bersha, where archaeologists unearthed many burial shafts, largely devoid of significant finds. That changed when they blasted away massive boulders and discovered a shaft leading to Tomb 10A. The above-ground chapel of the tomb had been quarried, destroying information about the inhabitants. The shaft itself showed signs of fire and plunder, but team members continued to dig down 30 feet until they reached the bottom and found, amidst the debris, the entrance to a burial chamber. Inside, they discovered a chaotic scene with objects strewn throughout the small room by robbers in search of booty. Providing an eerie greeting for the 20th-century visitors was a linen-wrapped painted head perched on top of a coffin, appearing to observe the excavators. (Propped up in the far corner was a limb-less, head-less torso. Determining it to be of little value for the Museum, archeologists left it at the site.) Almost 95 years later, the mummy head is once again visible in a small room in the exhibition, exactly the size of the original burial chamber.
Near the head in the same small chamber in the exhibition is a digital animation highlighting the reconstruction of the mummy head. Also featured are supporting materials documenting the extensive scientific analyses conducted on the head from 2005 by neurologists and radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital, who applied cutting-edge ultra-high resolution flat panel volume CT (computerized tomography) scanning technology, among other techniques. Improving upon earlier studies of 1984 in cooperation with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, this research has identified additional surgical procedures performed on the head during the embalming process. Also, thanks to new, highly advanced scans of the mummified head, the Cancer Research Institute of Heidelberg University made a 3-D plaster model of the skull without unwrapping it. While these new views of the head do not determine conclusively whether it is Governor Djehutynakht or his wife, Lady Djehutynakht, they shed considerable light on the mystery of why several facial bones were removed. It appears the brain—in addition to being removed through the nose, the traditional ancient Egyptian way that had not yet become common by the Djehutynakhts’ time—also was partially extracted through the base of the skull at the back of the head. The jaw was later separated from its adjacent musculature, possibly in keeping with the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, an important funerary ritual of ancient Egypt that restored the use of the mouth for the deceased to eat, drink, and breathe in the afterlife. Tests on DNA samples from the head are currently underway in the continued attempt to determine which of the Djehutynakhts resides at the MFA.
Models
Although the tomb robbers stole virtually everything made of gold or semi-precious stone, they left behind treasures of another kind—masterworks of Egyptian art. One of the most famous examples is the Procession of offering bearers (c. 2040–1926 BC), a wooden model about 26 inches long that represents all that was essential to sustain the ka of Djehutynakht in the afterlife. The procession consists of a priest carrying a ceremonial wine jar and incense burner for use in the burial rites, followed by two women with offerings of food and drink, and a third bringing items for the governor’s personal care. The delicacy of its carving and the detail of its painting make it the finest of its kind ever discovered in Egypt. Procession of offering bearers was one of approximately 100 wooden models found scattered throughout Tomb 10A. More than 30 of these models represent daily activities on a grand estate, including farm work and individual shops for carpenters, weavers, brick-makers, bakers, and brewers. Egyptians believed these miniaturized workers would come to life and serve their owners in the afterlife, just as a nomarch’s personnel did during his time on earth.
Nearly 60 other models were of boats outfitted for pleasure, defensive, utilitarian and funerary purposes. Just as water-born transportation on the Nile was the primary means of journeying long distances in life, travel by boat was necessary for navigating the hereafter. When archeologists made their discovery, they found that the flotilla of boats, their crews, and assorted parts (such as weapons and tools) were roughly strewn about the tomb. Thanks to the help of five conservators (including one from the Cairo Museum) who spent approximately 10,000 hours on the project, thousands of pieces were sorted, matched, and reattached to their corresponding models, most of which are now shown fully assembled in the exhibition for the first time in four millenia.
Middle Kingdom Sculpture
Complementing objects found in Tomb 10A are examples of Middle Kingdom sculpture, decorative arts, and funerary goods from other sites illustrating the grand lifestyle enjoyed by the privileged during this period. These include sculptures of rulers and high officials of Djehutynakht’s time from the Museum’s own collection, such as Osiride Statue of King Mentuhotep III, re-inscribed for King Merenptah (Dynasty 11, about 2010–1998 BC), a commanding sandstone representation of the king, in the guise of Osiris, who greets visitors as they enter the exhibition. Also featured is "The Statue of Lady Sennuwy" (Dynasty 12, about 1971–1926 BC), one of the great masterpieces of the early 12th dynasty. This life-size granodiorite depiction of the wife of Djefaihapi of Asyut, a powerful provincial governor, was discovered by Reisner in Nubia (now present-day Sudan).
Although Reisner hoped that excavations at Deir el-Bersha would continue after the 1915 discoveries, work was halted until the 1990s, when a joint survey was undertaken by the MFA, the University of Pennsylvania, and Leiden University in the Netherlands. Today, the project continues under the leadership of Professor Harco Willems of Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium, and new finds are still being made as documented in large photographs taken at the site, which line the perimeter of the exhibition’s final gallery.
To enhance the appreciation of The Secrets of Tomb 10A, a variety of educational programs will be offered at the Museum throughout the run of the exhibition, including lectures, courses, gallery talks, and an artist demonstration, as well as family activities. (Please see separate press releases.) In addition, the MFA’s website at www.mfa.org/tomb will include a fun, interactive section about mummies, mysteries, and magic surrounding Tomb 10A, and podcasts featuring the exhibition’s curators and noted experts.
Aspiring archaeologists can learn even more about Egypt by visiting the Museum’s other galleries, which showcase one of the world’s greatest collections of Egyptian art. These feature Egyptian Funerary Arts, which includes the MFA’s collection of mummies; the Old Kingdom; Egyptian and Nubian; New Kingdom; and Late Period Egyptian, and are all part of the new George D. and Margo Behrakis Art of the Ancient World Wing.
ADMISSION/HOURS
Beginning on October 18 with the opening of The Secrets of Tomb 10A, the MFA is introducing new family-friendly pricing that incorporates free admission to Gund Gallery exhibitions within general admission. Non-member general admission for adults will be $20 and includes entry to all galleries and exhibitions, as well as a return visit to the MFA’s collection within 10 days. Youths 17 and younger are free.* On Wednesdays after 4 p.m., admission is free for everyone (although voluntary contributions are welcome). Admission to the Museum can be purchased in advance at mfa.org, or on site. Prices are:
•MFA Members: FREE
•Adults: $20
•Seniors/Students 18 and older: $18
•MFA University Members: FREE
•Youths 17 and under: FREE — $7.50 on school days until 3 p.m.
All groups of 10 or more should book in advance by calling 617.369.3310 or going online at mfa.org/groups. Groups booking in advance receive a discount.
An engaging audio guide for adults and one designed specifically for children are both available; the price is $6 for adults, $5 for MFA members, and $4 for children (17 and under). The Museum is open seven days a week—Saturday through Tuesday, 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
CATALOGUE
Accompanying the exhibition is the 224-page catalogue The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC, produced by MFA Publications, with essays by curators Rita E. Freed, Lawrence M. Berman, Denise M. Doxey, and curatorial research associate Nicholas S. Picardo, all from the Department of Art of the Ancient World at the MFA. It tells the behind-the-scenes story of the excavation of Tomb 10A and introduces the full breadth and meaning of these treasures for the first time. Featuring more than 160 color illustrations, it discusses the history, political intrigue, and development of fine works of art for both royalty and commoners at a time characterized by widespread prosperity and intense artistic development. The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC
is available for $60 (hardcover) and $40 (softcover) at the MFA Bookstore and Shop or at mfa.org/publications.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/IMAGES
Please contact Amelia Kantrovitz at 617.369.3447 or akantrovitz@mfa.org for more information about the exhibition, or for digital photography.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), is recognized for the quality and scope of its encyclopedic collection, which includes an estimated 450,000 objects. The Museum’s collection is made up of: Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Art of the Ancient World; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments.
Open seven days a week, the MFA’s hours are Saturday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. General admission (which includes two visits in a 10-day period) is $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students age 18 and older, and includes entry to all galleries and special exhibitions. Admission for students who are University Members is free, as is admission for youths 17 years of age and younger during non-school hours. On school days until 3 p.m., admission for youths 7–17 is $7.50. No admission fee is required (after 4 p.m.) on Wednesdays, although voluntary donations are welcome. The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Patriots’ Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For general visitor information, visit the MFA website at mfa.org or call 617.267.9300.
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