Egyptian Museum in Tahrir exhibits 22 unique artifacts in celebration of World Music Day

CAIRO – 16 June 2021: In celebration of World Music Day, which falls on June 21 of each year, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir displays a collection of 22 artifacts that highlights the status of music in ancient Egypt.

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

Director General of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Sabah Abdel Razek explained that ancient Egyptians cared a lot about music, which played an important role in civil and religious life, had remarkable presence in feasts, celebrations, banqueting grounds and temples. For them, Music was an organized art that had its origins and rules, as well as its respected supervisors and trainers.

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

Abdel Razek further explained that the ancient Egyptian deity Hathor was closely associated with music, and was dubbed the “Lady of Music”. Hathor was associated with the protection of music and musicians in ancient Egypt. Music was also associated with the deity Bes, the protector of house-holds, particularly the protection of mothers, children and childbirth in ancient Egypt.

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

This important aspect of the ancient Egyptians’ life has been depicted since the early dynastic period, where artifacts and scenes that highlight the importance of music were found. In that period, Ancient Egyptian musical instruments included percussions, as well as pneumatic, and stringed instruments.

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

Abdel Razek indicated that the displayed pieces include 22 antiquities, comprising a wooden model depicting a band during a musical performance from the Middle Kingdom, discovered in the Saqqara antiquities area; as well as a small vaulted funerary plaque with a picture of a harp player playing in front of the deity Re-Hor-achti from the 25th Dynasty, discovered in the Sheikh Abdel Qurna area of Luxor.

Part of the exhibited artifacts in Egypt's Tahrir Museum in celebration of World Music Day - Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

That is in addition to a group of single and double flutes made of reeds and two pieces of colored leather drum covers that were discovered in Akhmim from the late period.

Abdel Razek noted that drums and tambourines are among the oldest musical instruments known in ancient Egypt. She added that the pieces on display also include a set of clappers, lanterns, tinsel and bells.

These artifacts are made of different materials such as bronze, wood, ivory, and gilded wood, and were discovered in several regions such as Saqqara, Abydos, Luxor, and San el-Hagar.

Moreover, a group of small statues of male and female musicians and a statue of a man playing the flute are on display. This set is made of terracotta, faience, and limestone, and was discovered in various places such as Luxor and Tel El Judea. It dates back to the Middle, Modern and Late Kingdoms.

It is worth noting that World Music Day has been celebrated since 1982 and aims to encourage music festivals and competitions and exchange experiences in this field.