How did it get here? This question is often asked but rarely answered in the museum’s exhibits. Follow the journey of objects that have never been on view—from their creation to our current work preparing for a new exhibit about ancient Egypt.
The first set of objects that we’re highlighting comes from Amarna, once the site of a short-lived ancient Egyptian capital city. Use the interactive map to follow their journey from Egypt to Pittsburgh.
Why were they made?
around 1347 – 1345 BCE
Early in his reign, king Akhenaten ordered a new capital city to be built on a sunny strip of desert. Ancient Egyptian craftspeople made these objects for the Maru-Aten, the king’s new solar temple.
At the same time, Akhenaten changed Egypt’s official religion, forcing people to worship one god rather than many. When Tutankhamun—Akhenaten’s son—became king, he quickly restored the old ways. Before long, Akhenaten’s city lay broken and abandoned.
How did they get here?
1921 – 1922 CE
Archaeologists from the Egypt Exploration Society uncovered pieces of Akhenaten’s ancient solar temple. In return for a small sponsorship fee, the museum received 23 objects from the site.
In 1882, the British-run Egypt Exploration Society (EES) was founded to do yearly archaeology. At the same time, Great Britain began a decades-long military occupation of Egypt. Its power in Egypt allowed the EES to send the objects they uncovered around the world.
What’s happening now?
Today
After 100 years in storage, these pieces are on display for the first time. The museum is looking at them in a new light to help us examine our collecting practices.
Museums are part of unjust colonial systems that separate people from their cultural heritage. Researchers are currently using 3D scans to digitally reunite fragments of king Akhenaten’s capital city that are spread across the world.
Learn more about the objects in the collection
With Special Thanks
3D models were created by members of the University of Pittsburgh Honors 3D Scanning program: Helena Hyziak, Brianna Stellini, Charlie Taylor, Derek Wessel, and Emily Wiley. Program co-directors: Dr. Josh Canon (University of Pittsburgh, Honors College), Dr. Lisa Saladino Haney (Carnegie Museum of Natural History).
Purchase of the Artec3D scanners was made possible by Carnegie Discoverers.
