Terres du Nil: the art of the potters before Pharaoh: the exhibition at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale

When we think ofancient Egypt, we often think of pyramids, richly decorated sarcophagi, the royal palaces of the Pharaohs... But before this well-known period, Egypt was already a fascinating country, populated byartisans andartists with exceptional skills.

The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale du Domaine de Saint-Germain-en-Laye takes us on a journey to the banks of the Nile, before the 4th millennium, to a very distant and fascinating time. With Terres du Nil: L'art des pottiers avant Pharaon, the museum is shedding light on a little-known part of Egyptian history.

On view from October 14, 2023 to January 8, 2024, the exhibition features over 120 incredibly rich pieces of pottery. These works come from the collection of brothers Jacques and Henri de Morgan, assembled at the end of the 19th century. Jacques de Morgan, explorer and researcher, contributed to the study and recognition of Egyptian prehistory.

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Thanks to this work, and to the relics found during the course of this research, the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale offers us a journey that is both artistic and historical. Pottery and ceramics tell the story of the beginnings of Egyptian civilization. These objects reveal invaluable information about the culture, customs, exchanges, fashions and beliefs of those distant times.

Throughout the exhibition, we admire works created and decorated using a variety of techniques. Each process, each ornament tells a different story. All these elements enable us to get to know these prehistoric Egyptians a little better. Intrigued? Then head to the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale to find out more!