Today, the private view of “Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt,” which starts on July 11, was held for the press.
Unlike other past ancient-Egyptian-themed events held at Tokyo National Museum, this event features the queens of ancient Egypt. These queens had not only supported reigning pharaohs as mothers or wives but also played significant roles in politics and religion.
The highlights are definitely the exhibits of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of the ancient Egypt. There are several busts we can perceive her beauty. Other exhibits interpret that she was a very intelligent woman with ability to handle multiple languages.
Even though Cleopatra tried to save the Ptolemaic Kingdom by having relationships with powerful people of the time, the kingdom eventually ended with her death, defeated by Augustus who then became the first emperor of Roman Empire. There are several paintings tell the story of the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
Other than exhibits about Cleopatra, there are artifacts related to many other prominent queens such as Hatshepsut (the fifth pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Egypt), Tiye (the great royal wife of Amenhotep III, the ninth pharaoh of eighteenth dynasty), and Nefertiti waiting for you.
Since she was one of a few queens finally grasped the royal authority, the face of seated statue of Hatshepsut has beard on the chin to show the power she had.
In contrast, Tiye, who was a good adviser for her husband, in the relief is young, feminine, and beautiful.
The first half of the exhibition shows how these women achieved such power by interpreting the changes in the society over time. In addition, there are artifacts and interpretation about women around pharaohs, telling us their elegant, luxurious lifestyle.
Please do not miss this great, unique event you can observe precious artifacts that tell lives of Egyptian women of the time!
Tokyo National Museum (kokosil):
https://ueno.kokosil.net/en/place/00001c00000000000002000000310100
