Nefertari. “To the modern ear, the sound of her name evokes visions of unrivalled splendour, surpassing beauty and supreme power.” – John K. McDonald. No small part of Nefertari’s fame comes from her brilliantly-decorated tomb (QV66) in the Valley of the Queens in western Thebes. The tomb was discovered in February 1904 by Italian Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli. Right now an exhibition celebrating 110 years since the discovery of Nefertari’s tomb is on at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It compares the original photos taken at the time with full-colour images taken recently by photographer Sandro Vannini. As you can see, the photos are amazing. This image from the west wall of Chamber G is courtesy of and used Sandros kind permission. Here Nefertari stands in adoration of the seven sacred cows and a bull (not shown). Chapter 148 of the Book of the Dead tells us that the cows have the power to provide the spirit of the dead queen with eternal sustenance. If you are in the neighbourhood please swing by the exhibition. It is in Cairo until January 8, after which it moves to Alexandria, and then down to Luxor in March-ish.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 12:52:09 +0000
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