March 19, 2024

Egytology professor educates students on animal mummies

McClung Museum held another of its 50th anniversary lectures on Oct. 15 presented by Salima Ikram, a professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo.

The lecture discussed mummified animals and how the Egyptians thought they were used in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptians wanted to take their beloved pets to the afterlife with them. Egyptologists believe the animals could have also been used as food for the deceased when they woke up in the afterlife.

Ikram discussed what the audience can learn from ancient mummies. From a single mummy, experts can learn the climate at the time of its burial, the technology of that time, and even the animal’s species.

“Ancient Egyptians are the most interesting and fascinating people to ever walk this earth,” Ikram said.

Robert Royce, a junior majoring in Classical Archeology, was impressed with Ikram’s lecture.

“I was impressed with the energy of the lecture, it was not boring at all,” Royce said. “I’ve been to a lot of lectures here and they did not have what this one had. I love Egyptology so it was really cool to hear someone who was so passionate about it.”

J.T. Feeney, a senior studying history, also enjoyed the presentation.

“I had no idea the Egyptians were so obsessed with mummifying their animals,” he said. “She interacted with the crowd and I think she did a great job.”

Ikram wrapped up by praising the McClung Museum for their collection of artifacts relating to Egyptology.

“McClung is so important because artifacts can transport people into another time and interest other in the Egyptian culture,” she said. “You guys have a fantastic collection here and you should really take advantage of it.”

 

Edited by Nichole Stevens 

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Jordan Dajani is a junior journalism/electronic media major from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Follow him on twitter @JDnumba3.