Materials of Design: Art and Crafts in Ancient Egypt - Part 2

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 13th February 10.30am GMT,

Wood – Native and Imported

Week 2 – Friday 20th February 10.30am GMT,

Ivory – Power and Decoration

Week 3 – Friday 27th February 10.30am GMT,

Linen – From the Cradle to Grave

Week 4 – Friday 6th March 10.30am GMT,

Hard Stones – Quarrying to Craving

Week 5 – Friday 13th March 10.30am GMT,

Pottery – Fired Clay: Repositories of Design

Links and articles will be sent out after each lecture.