Ancient Egypt Society of Western Australia
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CURRENT LECTURES 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 "A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ROSICRUCIAN EGYPTIAN MUSEUM"Anthropologist; AESWA Committee Member The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San José, California, holds the largest Egyptology collection in the western United States. Situated among Nilotic flora and recreations of ancient buildings in scenic Rosicrucian Park, the Museum itself is housed in a reproduction temple and contains a full-scale, walkthrough replica of a Middle Kingdom tomb. Explore this remarkable museum inside and out in a spectacular photographic tour. Also see Jasmine’s live TV interview at the museum! Hear Jasmine’s REM Egyptomania podcast online at http://odeo.com/episodes/23263048-Jasmine-Day-Interview and it will open in a window of its own.
| Previous Lectures 2008 "NEW TECHNIQUES FOR INVESTIGATION OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MUMMIES"Head of the Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Royal Perth Hospital and the University of WA. Professor Raymond Williamson – is Head of the Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Royal Perth Hospital and the University of WA. This department deals with reconstructive surgery of the face, which has proven to a useful background for studying mummies. Prof Williamson has had a keen interest in Ancient Egypt for most of his life and joined the WA Ancient Egypt Society in its first year of inception. He has been to Egypt on a number of occasions and has work as an amateur Archaeologist with Greg Gilbert, Colin Simcock and Kim Lesouef. This lecture will begin with a brief overview of the process of mummification used by the Ancient Egyptians, followed by a discussion of the new techniques for the investigation of Ancient Egyptian Mummies. The examination of ancient Egyptian mummies has traditionally been performed by unwrapping the mummies and dissecting them which destroys the mummy. During the last few decades, however, several research groups have provided clear evidence that the combination of various non-invasive approaches for the examination of mummies offers distinct advantages over the previously used methods of unwrapping and dissection. These new techniques for the examination of Ancient Egyptian Mummies include: ENDOSCOPIC EXAMINATION
DNA SAMPLING
COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY (CAT SCAN)
Scans of two mummy heads, carried out in Perth, will be used to illustrate how Computer Tomography can used to gain valuable information on mummies.
The final part of the lecture will review the findings of the CT scans of taken of Tutankhamen in January 2005 and discuss possible causes of his death.
   "MEDINET HABU"Treasurer of the Ancient Egypt Society of W.A. In another one of his temple talks, join Dean as he walks you through Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III. For those members who are on the tour in January 2009, this will give you a thorough history of the temple and points of interest to look out for.  "An Introduction to the Field of Ancient DNA and its Relevance to Research on Mummified Remains."Ancient DNA lab, Murdoch University Researchers in the field of ancient DNA specialise in isolating and amplifying DNA from “old” material in order to learn information from the genes of things long dead. Mummified human remains from Egypt were among some of the first studies conducted in the field of ancient DNA in the 1980’s. In 1988 a technique (PCR) was developed with allowed DNA to be copied billions of times in a single reaction. For the first time this Nobel prize winning “idea” enabled researchers to obtain DNA “profiles” from degraded material. Coupling molecular archaeology together with more traditional approaches has provided some fascinating insights into the past. This presentation will introduce you to the science behind the field of ancient DNA and discuss some of the (numerous) problems associated with DNA profiling human remains such as Egyptian mummies.  Dr Michael Bunce is a Senior Lecturer at Murdoch University where he lectures in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Forensic DNA analysis and heads the Murdoch ancient DNA laboratory. He was awarded a PhD from the Australian National University and has held postdoctoral fellowships at Oxford and McMaster Universities before starting a laboratory at Murdoch. Mike’s area of expertise revolves around using ancient DNA to study evolutionary processes and using ancient DNA profiles to investigate past biodiversity and extinctions. He has worked on a diverse variety of projects with the common theme of extracting and amplifying degraded DNA. More information about the speaker can be found at: http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~mbunce/  "AKHENATEN – HERETIC, HERO OR HYPOCRITE?"Author of Tutankhamun: Speak My Name, Member of The Egypt Exploration Society and The Egyptian Society of South Africa In the latter period of the New Kingdom a strange Pharaoh called Akhenaton abruptly declared the ancient gods to be obsolete! He declaredd the sun disc, the Aten to be the single omnipotent deity. After two millennia the temples of the ancient pantheon were closed and the divine statues destroyed. The economy of Egypt was brought to the brink of ruin. Was Akhenaton a Herectic or a Prophet? Was he heroic or insane? Join Anthony Holmes in an investigation into the motives for the extreme action of this fascinating Pharaoh.  "Human Remains From Dra Abu el-Naga: The Theban Tombs Project "Forensic Anthropologist (PathWest, UWA) and Honorary Research Associate for the W.A. Museum Department of Anthropology This lecture will review the finds of human material, which reflects the occupation of the tombs from the original New Kingdom owners through until the Coptic Period. A profile of the lives of the tomb users will be gained through examination of population numbers, physical characteristics and health status.  "SACRED SENSUALITY"
Perfumes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | “THE POST PHARAOHNIC PERIOD IN EGYPTIAN HISTORY”Presented by Amany HannaThe study of Egyptology which started from the end of the eighteenth century till today has revealed a lot of mysteries and secrets. In this talk Amany will answer some important questions, such as where did dthe pharaohs and their people disappear? What happened to the rituals and traditions of the Ancient Egyptians? What happened to their language? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Hypostyle Hall at night | “IPET-ISUT - KARNAK”Presented by Ann Butcher and Dean KubankJoin Ann and Dean as they walk you through Ipet-isut – Karnak. If you have already been to this great temple – be prepared to see something new – if you have never been – be prepared to be amazed by its grandeur. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Inner coffin of Keku, Late Period Dyn.26, Thebes | “MUMMIES: ANCIENT EGYPT AND THE AFTERLIFE
Presented by Dr Jasmine Day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Previous Lectures 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Our Xmastut | Annual Christmas PartyEnjoy some Ancient Egyptian holiday cheer at AESWA's annual Christmas windup. Bring your partner and a plate to share. There will be special Christmas raffles and items for sale. We'll be repeating the entertaining slide and music show, "Imagining Egypt", featuring artistic works representing Ancient Egyptians and their lives. See if you can improve your score on the "Name the Pharaoh" section!" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Malkata ruins | " A study of the palace and city of Malkata
A descriptive lecture by Marshall Hindley | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Debod Temple originally from Nubia Now in Madrid | “In Search of Egypt”Presented by Dr Jasmine Day, Discipline of Anthropology and Sociology, UWA / AESWA SecretaryEarlier this year, Dr Jasmine Day attended the 6th International Congress on Mummy Studies held in the Canary Islands. She then spent several days in Spain, exploring Egyptian collections in Madrid. This lecture features highlights from Jasmine’s trip: behind the scenes at the Mummy Congress, a tour of Spain’s Museo Arqueologico Nacional, plus a trip around – and inside – the magnificent Debod Temple from Nubia, which now stands in a beautiful park atop a hill overlooking Madrid. Special repeat screening by request! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Horus necklace | “Shop Like an Egyptian: Hunters and Collectors”For Purveyors Of Fine MerchandisePresented by Dr Jasmine Day, Discipline of Anthropology and Sociology, UWA / AESWA SecretaryDr Patricia O'Neill, AESWA Committee AESWA's most savvy shoppers team up to show you where to get a mind-boggling array of items with an ancient Egyptian theme. Dr Jasmine Day and Dr Patricia O'Neill will show you their favourite online shopping sites, featuring the latest and rare books, art, clothing, jewellery, museum replicas, home décor, toys and more. You'll get tips on safe online shopping and how to import from overseas. Becky Steven has also discovered the best spots around Perth to find Egyptian treasures. The presentation includes a display of items from the ladies' personal collections. Come and see all kinds of neat stuff the FedEx man will deliver! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Wooden treasures (Tomb of Tutankhamun) | "Wonderful Things About Woodwork in Ancient Egypt"By Beauchamp PainePresented by Kim Lesouef Carpenters were amongst the artisans who worked with pride to produce not only the wonderful funerary items for the Pharaohs’ tombs but also furniture and other items for the household. With only the most rudimentary of tools and limited supplies of their primary material, they produced an astonishing array of works, including most of the wonderful thingsfound in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. Kim Lesouef takes us on the journey of the “chippies” of Ancient Egypt, seen through the eyes of our dear Beau Paine, award-winning woodcarver and life member of AESWA.  Our beloved Beau Paine | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Scarab beetle from the Louvre collection | "EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES FROM THE LOUVRE:Dr. Jasmine Day, Discipline of Anthropology and Sociology, The University of Western Australia
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 Debod Temple in Madrid | "IN SEARCH OF EGYPT"Dr. Jasmine Day, Cultural AnthropologistEarlier this year, Dr Jasmine Day attended the 6th International Congress on Mummy Studies held in the Canary Islands. She then spent several days in Spain before continuing her search for Egyptian Revival monuments in London. This lecture features highlights from Jasmine¹s trip: behind the scenes at the Mummy Congress, London¹s architectural gems and crumbling Victorian cemeteries, and Spain¹s Museo Arqueologico Nacional, plus the magnificent Debod Temple from Nubia, which now stands in a beautiful park atop a hill overlooking Madrid. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The Ramesseum | "The Ramesseum and Temple of Hathor at Dendara"Dean KubankThis talk will be divided in two; with the first half devoted to the Ramesseum – mortuary temple of Ramses II and the second to the Temple of Hathor at Dendara. Both temples were recently visited in October 2006 by Ann and Dean. The talk will give a potted history of both temples, plus the opportunity to look at recent on-site photos. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The Judgement of Ani | "The Book of the Dead"Colin SimcockPresident, The Ancient Egypt Society of W.A. Inc. Religion guided every aspect of Egyptian life. Egyptian religion was based on polytheism, or the worship of many deities. The Egyptians had as many as 2000 gods and goddesses each representing characteristics of a specific earthly force, combined with a heavenly power. The Book of the Dead was a collection of spells, hymns, and prayers intended to secure for the deceased safe passage to and sojourn in the other world. The Book of the Dead is the common name for the ancient Egyptian funerary texts known as The Book of Coming [or Going] Forth By Day. Colin will give an outline of the importance of these spells as well as the tests the deceased was required to pass in order to go through into the next world. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Hieroglyphs | "Hieroglyphs"Colin SimcockPresident, The Ancient Egypt Society of W.A. Inc. Egypt was one of the first civilisations to commence writing as a means of communication. In fact evidence now exists which apparently proves that Egyptians may have actually invented writing. Hieroglyphs have fascinated all travellers who have visited Egypt over the ages. It is not simply that it is a written language but that it is a piece of art and the pictures want you to know more. Do they represent what they are? Is an owl an owl? If not what does an owl represent? Because every hieroglyph represents something real, it is not simply a squiggly line or a square box – it is most likely water and a square mat. In this two-part lecuture Colin will discuss how hieroglyphs developed and what they meant to the Egyptians as symbolic figures. In the second part Colin will give a brief discussion on how to decipher hieroglyphs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Bronze Horus | "Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Masterpieces of Egyptian Art in the Musée du Louvre "Dr Jasmine DayCultural Anthropologist & Secretary, The Ancient Egypt Society of W.A. Inc. Come on a lavishly illustrated virtual tour of the Egyptian Art galleries in the fabulous Musée du Louvre in Paris. Discover the treasures of ancient Egypt recovered by Napoleon’s scholars that gave birth to the science of Egyptology and inspired modern Egyptomania. From sacred images of gods and pharaohs to intricately decorated coffins and magical amulets, from fascinating glass inlays to rare home furnishings and board games, from monumental statuary to delicate musical instruments and stunning gold and gemstone jewellery, this massive collection features some of the most precious and beautiful Egyptian artefacts ever found. Refreshments and biscuits will be provided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Previous Lectures 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | Christmas PartyBring a plate and your partner. We'll have raffles, prizes and an Egyptian gift stall. Dr Jasmine Day will be signing copies of her recently published book, The Mummy's Curse. Running in the background will be a slide and music show produced by Dr Patricia O'Neill: What did Ancient Egypt actually look like? For centuries artists have presented reconstructions of Ancient Egyptian life - some meticulous, some ludicrous - but all fascinating. "Imagining Egypt" presents a selection of artistic works depicting life in the Land of the Pharaohs. Have a look, perhaps a laugh, while you nibble, chat and nourish your Ka. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | "Return of the Mummy's Hair"
Pierre Filion
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| "Further Observations on the Geography of the Beyond and the Navigation of the Divine Barque"Charlie MannSenior Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Western Australia Following on from his previous AESWA lecture "The Cosmogony of Heliopolis: the Temple and the Geography of the Beyond", Charlie Mann will continue his exploration of the Heliopolitan cosmogony (the legends of Ra) and the temple as an abode of the divine. The royal tombs of the New Kingdom illustrate the sun god¹s perilous voyage through the millions of miles of the netherworld, to death and ultimate rebirth in the eastern horizon. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "A Review of Tattooing in Ancient Egypt"Kelvin Poon,MForSc/PhD Student, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia Very few physical examples of tattooing from ancient Egypt exist and there is almost no mention of tattooing in surviving written records. When searching for evidence of tattooing in ancient Egyptian art and literature, the main problem faced is that the interpretations are subjective and the examples may represent cases of tattooing, ornamental scarring, body painting or branding. From priestesses to alluring musicians, this presentation will review the neglected art of tattooing in ancient Egypt. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 An Ushabti Face | "Understanding Egyptian Art"Dr Jasmine Day, Cultural anthropologistDiscover the art of ancient Egypt, from the mythology portrayed in religious art and the magical power of amulets to the meanings hidden in everyday objects. This illustrated lecture introduces you to the history, functions and styles of Egyptian art and features original photographs of masterworks in the world's most spectacular museum collections. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Pageant Marchers at Christmas | "Egyptian Literature"Colin Simcock, President of the AESWAOne of the undervalued arts of Egypt is their literature. Not a great deal of it has survived the passing of time. The little that was preserved shows that Egypt was capable of great drama, comedy, love, etc. Colin will be story-telling from selected pieces of literature giving you an example of what the ancient Egyptians created. This promises to be a fun but educational night. We hope that you will all come to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Ancient Egypt Society of WA with an entertaining story night of ancient Egypt’s literature. We will have a stall with Egyptian items for sale, finger food for sale, and a mega raffle with some terrific prizes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The Pyramid of Chephren | "The Old Kingdom (When the pyramids were built)"Tullio De DomenicoWith its legacy of pyramids, mastabas, statues, pharaohs and sphinx - the Old Kingdom is still the most mysterious period of Ancient Egyptian civilisation The Old Kingdom is called the "golden age" of Egyptian civilization and it has determined the form and style of Egyptian art and culture for 3000 years. In this lecture Tullio will look at the rise of Egyptian civiliation and the development of agriculture, Egypt's rulers, the major achievements of the period, the arts, monuments, mastabas and pyramids. The various theories, some controversial, about the construction of the pyramids will be mentioned, and who really built the sphinx - and what they both represent. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Sphinx on Time Piece | "Egyptomania at Home"Dr Jasmine Day, Cultural anthropologistTake an exclusive tour inside the homes of some of the world’s foremost Egyptomania collectors. Gavin Watson’s massive collection of rare books, priceless Wedgwood and Royal Doulton porcelain, clocks, lamps and statues is tucked away inside a terrace house in Stirling, Scotland. Bob Brier and his wife Pat Remler live in a flat in the Bronx, surrounded by Egyptian treasures from historic posters and antiques to ushabtis and even a mummy’s arm! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 KV5 – A Map of the Area | "KV5 – The Tomb of Princes" "Colin Simcock, President of the Ancient Egypt SocietyThe great Pharaoh Ramesses II supposedly lived to over 90 and had over 100 siblings, many of them young males you did not survive their father to the throne. Where are they all buried? Relatively recent excavations in the Valley of the Kings have resulted in the discovery of the final resting places for many of these princes. But it is not simply the discovery of burial of Ramesses sons that make this tomb so fascinating but the tomb itself. The tomb is like no other in Egypt, it is the biggest by far in the Valley of the Kings. Its design is unique. Colin will discuss the discoveries made in the tomb, its structure and why it was built. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Tutankhamen | "NEBKHEPERURE TUTANKHAMEN - The Enigmatic Pharaoh"Marshall Hindley, ex-President of the SocietyEveryone has heard of the boy-king Tutankhamen the discovery of whose tomb in 1922 caused a tremendous resurgence of interest in the history and culture of Ancient Egypt. But what is actually known about this Pharaoh? In this lecture we shall deal with his place in the history of Egypt's 18th Dynasty. His reign came at a time when Egypt was beginning to recover from the effects of the so-called Amarna Heresy and he played a pivotal role in that recovery. His parentage is still a matter for some debate and the examination of his remains last year have thrown some new light on how he could have met his premature death. In this lecture we will also deal with the discovery of his tomb and what light that threw on the burial customs of the time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Egyptomania | "EGYPTOMANIA IN LONDON"Dr. Jasmine Day, Cultural AnthropologistTour the greatest modern Egyptianising monuments of London, from Art Deco marvels such as the Carreras Cigarette Factory and Carlton Cinema to the Victorian ruins of Highgate Cemetery and the famous Crystal Palace, tragically destroyed by fire. See the high kitsch interior of Harrod’s department store and the newly refurbished grave of Howard Carter. |
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