Materials of Design: Art and Crafts in Ancient Egypt - Part 1

Using a different material each lecture this course will explore the arts and crafts of ancient Egypt. Rich in resources, artisans produced some of the masterpieces of the ancient world. Using tombs scenes, texts, and material culture we will explore where the ancient Egyptians sourced their material and how they crafted it. We will study exemplary examples and those with an interesting context. Reviewing material which is both native and imported we will also consider trade and commerce in the ancient world. The symbolic meaning of each of the materials will also be examined, considering how this was reflected in its use.

Week 1 – Friday 9th January 10.30am GMT,

The Flesh of the Gods – Gold, Silver, and Metal Work

Week 2 – Friday 16th January 10.30am GMT,

The Jewel Box – Precious and Semi-Precious Stones

Week 3 – Friday 23rd January 10.30am GMT,

Faience – Tjehnet : Brillant and Scintillating – like the light of the sun

Week 4 – Friday 30th January 10.30am GMT,

Glass – The Stone that Pours

Week 5 – Friday 6th February 10.30am GMT,

Ostrich Eggs, Shells and Leather – Natures Treasures

Links and articles will be sent out after each lecture