Bolton's Egypt Spring Study Day "Animals in Ancient Egyptian Religion"

Our Bolton's Egypt Study Days have been going from strength to strength since our first, "All About Mummification", in Summer 2024. With this latest day we bring you "Animals in Ancient Egyptian Religion".

Animals were central to ancient Egyptian belief, and were integral to the civilisation's identity. They were revered as sacred beings, embodying divine power, but also played essential social and practical roles in everything from food and labour to fertility and protection. In this study day we explore the animals encountered by the ancient Egyptians, how they were featured in daily life, and how they were incoporated into the ancient Egyptian belief system of life, death and the afterlife.

Yet our Bolton Study Day not only looks at the importance of Bolton's Egyptian collection, its unique blend of workshops provides the opportunity to get up close and learn at first hand.

The day will consist of two lectures, three hands-on workshops, an a practical demonstration of a mummy re-rolling.

The Study Day will conclude with after-hours wine, nibbles and chats with the experts in the Bolton’s Egypt galleries themselves.

Info: Attendees should arrive before 11am and register with the group leader. Refreshments are available on arrival.

Info: The Curator of Egyptology, Ian Trumble, will briefly introduce Bolton's Egypt, the collections, the galleries and how the Study Day will work.

Info: Joann investigates the animals encountered by the ancient Egyptians and how this natural world is represented in the art and objects they created.

Info: Lunch can be purchased as part of the Study Day package, or attendees can take advantage of various eateries around Bolton Town Centre.

Info: Pharaohs routinely depicted themselves as hybrid beings, Campbell examines the forms, functions and fashions in which they did this through Egyptian history.

Info: Take a tour around the Natural History and Egyptology galleries to compare the taxidermied specimens with the ancient pieces they inspired.

Info: Get up-close with some of Bolton's animal related objects, from small amulets to animal mummies, with Campbell and Lidija.

Info: Explore the process of mummification, in the context of animals, as Stephen and Joann demonstrate how the resins were made and applied to ancient mummies.

Info: How did the Ancient Egyptians create the standardised forms and elaborate decorative designs that we see in museums today? Using knowledge gained through the radiographic study of ancient mummies, join Campbell and Lidija as they attempt to wrap a modern animal mummy.

Info: A chance to unwind with a drink in the beautiful surroundings of the Bolton's Egypt galleries and chat with the speakers of the day. Drinks and buffet food are included in the price of the day.

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