This detail of hieroglyphs is from the entrance to the rock tomb replica, one of the museum's most popular teaching venues. The replica is modeled on elements from several originals in the Beni Hasan desert in Upper Egypt.
Coptic Egypt: An exhibit of Egypt after the Pharaohs New Exhibit runs June 1 – December 29, 2003
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum recently opened a new exhibit entitled “Coptic Egypt” in the rotating exhibit hall of the museum. This exhibit will explore the changes in Egypt from the conquest of Alexander the Great (332 BCE) to the beginnings of Islam (642 CE), concentrating on the period following the introduction of Christianity from the First Century through the Seventh Century of the Common Era. The period is characterized by diversity of peoples and cultural interaction. Museum Curator Lisa Schwappach-Shirriff and Research Associate Steven Armstrong curate the exhibit.
A core feature of the exhibit will be the outstanding representation of Coptic textiles from the museum’s collection. The Coptic period of Egypt is well known for the colorful and imaginative art expressed in the fabric of the day. Mythical figures and allegorical references to religious icons are beautifully expressed through the embroidery and tapestry work. Although more than 1,000 years old, the fabric still holds much of the color and beauty it originally showed. Never before displayed to this extent, the museum is proud to open its vaults to display this special material.
The term “Coptic” is derived from the same Egyptian root word as “Egypt” and denotes a cultural period that has come to be identified with the indigenous form of Christian culture that developed in Egypt during this time period, and continues to the present day. The Coptic alphabet uses Greek letters (with some additions) to write the evolving Egyptian language that is also written in Hieroglyphs, hieratic and demotic scripts. Coptic culture is characterized by an interaction among diverse elements including ancient Egyptian, Hellenistic Greek, and Christian.
Coptic Christians continue to use the Coptic form of Egyptian language and art in Liturgical services both in Egypt and here in the United States, including two communities in the Bay Area.
Admission to Coptic Egypt is included with admission to the museum.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum recently opened a new exhibit entitled “Coptic Egypt” in the rotating exhibit hall of the museum. This exhibit will explore the changes in Egypt from the conquest of Alexander the Great (332 BCE) to the beginnings of Islam (642 CE), concentrating on the period following the introduction of Christianity from the First Century through the Seventh Century of the Common Era. The period is characterized by diversity of peoples and cultural interaction. Museum Curator Lisa Schwappach-Shirriff and Research Associate Steven Armstrong curate the exhibit.
The term “Coptic” is derived from the same Egyptian root word as “Egypt” and denotes a cultural period that has come to be identified with the indigenous form of Christian culture that developed in Egypt during this time period, and continues to the present day. The Coptic alphabet uses Greek letters (with some additions) to write the evolving Egyptian language that is also written in Hieroglyphs, hieratic and demotic scripts. Coptic culture is characterized by an interaction among diverse elements including ancient Egyptian, Hellenistic Greek, and Christian.