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life & death in ancient egypt
About this Space
This gallery showcases Ulster Museum's Egyptology collection, displaying material of artistic, historic and cultural importance to understanding and learning about ancient Egypt.
This exhibition explores Ancient Egyptian civilisation, which followed prehistoric Egypt, beginning around 5,000 years ago and lasting around 3,000 years.
There are currently around 100 collection objects on display.
Please be advised that this gallery contains human remains.
Access is free. Visit during museum opening hours.
Things to See
Explore fascinating objects from ancient Egypt, including a scarab commemorating the marriage of Amenhotep III and Gilukhepa, a fragment of Amenophis II’s statue, and a range of pots, jewellery, amulets, and funerary statuettes.
Many of these items were collected in the 19th and 20th century British colonial period, reflecting the growing Western fascination with Egypt's rich culture and history.
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Takabuti
You will have the option of viewing the partially unwrapped mummified remains of Takabuti, an ancient Egyptian woman whose mummification process offers insights into how the ancient Egyptians saw death as part of life. Recent research has shown that Takabuti’s lineage reflects ancient Egypt's diverse and complex society, shaped by migration, trade, and invasions. Also on display is the coffin of Tjesmutperet. These human remains were acquired many years ago and leave complex and challenging legacies for us today. Whilst some people value how they offer important insights to and inspire interest in Ancient Egyptian society, others question whether it is ethical and respectful for them to be on public display in Belfast.
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human remains in museums
This is an ethical issue which National Museums NI follows guidance and direction on. We welcome all open and respectful dialogue with communities from which the human remains in our collection originated and procedures are in place for proposals for repatriation and restitution. This is formalised in National Museums NI's Collections Development Policy.