What is the significance of the gilded Book of the Dead at the Brooklyn Museum?

The Book of the Dead on display is significant because it is a complete and gilded version, which is exceptionally rare, with only about 10 such artifacts known to exist.

How old is the Book of the Dead scroll now on display?

The scroll, a copy of the Book of the Dead, is approximately 2,000 years old, dated to sometime between 340 BC and 57 BC.

What was involved in the conservation of the ancient Egyptian scroll?

The scroll underwent a three-year conservation effort in the 2000s to separate it from acidic backing and stabilize it by mounting it on special superfine Japanese paper.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rare Gilded Egyptian Scroll Unveiled in Brooklyn

Rare Gilded Egyptian Scroll Unveiled in Brooklyn

19 Feb

•

Summary

A complete, gilded Book of the Dead, 2,000 years old, is now on display.
Only about 10 gilded Egyptian papyri are known to exist worldwide.
The scroll underwent a three-year conservation effort to stabilize it.

Rare Gilded Egyptian Scroll Unveiled in Brooklyn

A complete, gilded 2,000-year-old Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian text designed to guide the deceased to the afterlife, is currently on exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. This exceptional artifact is one of only approximately 10 gilded Egyptian papyri that are known to exist globally, making its display a significant event for Egyptology enthusiasts.

The scroll, dating from 340 BC to 57 BC, possesses unique qualities, including its complete nature as indicated by blank sheets at its beginning and end. Its gilded elements, often depicting important symbols, reflect ancient Egyptian beliefs associating gold with divinity and eternal life. The practice of creating such scrolls was reserved for the wealthy, with scribes personalizing each copy.

This specific copy has a fascinating history, arriving in America in the 19th century and eventually finding its way to the Brooklyn Museum. A dedicated team of conservators undertook a demanding three-year project in the 2000s to carefully separate the fragile papyrus from its backing and stabilize it for long-term preservation. The intricate details and fragile nature of the scroll have left visitors in awe.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.