22. THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
225
Northern Egyptian Vestibule (PL 28) contains antiquities of the
period embraced by the first twelve dynasties, and particularly that of
the fourth dynasty (about 3000 B.C.), when Egypt enjoyed a very high
degree of civilisation. Above the door is a plaster cast of the head of
the northern colossal figure of Ramses at Ipsamboul.
Opposite the Northern Vestibule is a staircase (PL 29) leading to
the Upper Floor. On the wall of the staircase are some Papyrus
MSS. showing the different kinds of written characters in use among
the Egyptians (the 'Hieroglyphic', 'Hieratic', and 'Demotic'). The
Egyptian Anteroom (PI. 19), at the top of the stairs, contains plaster
casts of painted bas-reliefs from Egypt, and four wooden sarcophagi.
Adjoining are two rooms filled with smaller Egyptian antiquities,
arranged in three principal sections. Section 1 (Cases 1-11) con¬
sists of deities and sacred animals, Section 2 (Cases 12-45) of arti¬
cles used in public and domestic life, and Section 3 (the whole of
the remaining cases) of objects connected with the dead.
First Egyptian Room (PL 20). On the left, Wall-cases 1-5. Exten¬
sive collection of small figures of the Egyptian gods in various ma¬
terials: 1 and 2. Amenra (Jupiter); Ra (the Sun); Phtah (Vulcan); the
goddess Bast (Bubastis); Neith (Minerva), the goddess of Sais; 3-5. Thoth
(Mercury); Osiris, the judge of the dead, Isis, his wife, and Horus, their
son; Anubis; Typhon, the impersonation of the principle of evil. Case
6. Sarcophagus of Pen-amen, priest of Amenra. Cases 7-11. Sacred ani¬
mals : jackal, cat, baboon, lion, owl, ibis, crocodile, snakes. Cases 12 and
13. Statuettes of kings and officials. Cases 14-19. Domestic articles;
wooden pillow; various kinds of chairs, some of ivory inlaid with silver;
model of a cottage with loft; wig of a lady with its box; three-legged
table. Cases 20-21. Articles of dress and toilette. Cases 22-26, 28-35. Vases
and vessels of various kinds. Case 27. Sarcophagus of Harnetaht, high
priest of Amenra. Cases 36-37. AVeapons and hunting implements. Case
Baeuekeb, London. 15
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