Description
Book SynopsisThis companion volume and catalog to the exhibit that opens on February 9, 2009, traces the life of Meresamun, whose mummy, dating to about 800 B.C., is one of the highlights of The Oriental Institute museum in Chicago, IL. The text introduces the historical and cultural setting of Egypt during her time. Essays and artifacts examine the role of music and of musicians in Egyptian temple cults, their training, and the types of musical instruments that Meresamun would have used. The life of Meresamun outside the temple is explored, with emphasis upon her social and legal status, what other professions were available to her, and what home life was like. The study of the life of this individual is augmented by forensic evidence obtained with the newest generation of CT scanners that sheds life on Meresamun's life and death.
Trade ReviewThis volume, which is richly illustrated with full-color and black-and-white figures in the text - in addition to the exhibition objects - belongs on the bookshelf of everyone interested in the several roles of women in ancient Egypt.' -- KMT: A Modern Journal of Egyptology KMT: A Modern Journal of Egyptology An excellent book...Well illustrated, it makes Meresamun a real person, rather than just a modern museum exhibit.' -- Ancient Egypt Magazine Ancient Egypt Magazine Thousands of images were taken using high resolution scanning channels to a level of detail not previously used on a mummy. The results, in colour in the book, are quite astounding. Together, the editors have achieved the dearest wish expressed in their prayers by all ancient Egyptians: 'Speak my name that I may live'. Meresamun lives again.' -- Minerva Minerva
