Divine Mortals: Royal Ancestor Worship in Deir el-Medina

In this hybrid lecture on Tuesday, April 18, Yasmin El Shazly, deputy director for research and programs at the American Research Center in Egypt, will discuss the importance of ancestor worship in Deir el-Medina—particularly of Amenhotep I and his mother Ahmose-Nefertari. The Egyptian craftsmen and artists who created and decorated royal tombs during the New Kingdom period (ca. 1550–1070 BCE) lived in Deir el-Medina. Today, this well-preserved village is a key source of information about the daily lives, artistic practices and religious traditions of ancient Egyptians. Prominently featured in homes, artwork and tombs, these two royal figures held important positions in the Egyptian “hierarchy of being” and exerted great influence over the daily lives of Deir el-Medina residents. Free event parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. This free event is presented by the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture.