An ancient Egyptian artifact was shown for the first time in the Pushkin Museum

The ancient Egyptian magic wand of the Middle Kingdom (XXI–XVIII century BC) was shown to the public for the first time as part of the series of exhibitions "New Masterpieces of Pushkin", dedicated to the most significant acquisitions of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts over the past few years.

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Exhibitions are held on the site in front of Hall No. 7, or the "White Floor". The ancient Egyptian artifact, purchased for 4 million rubles, became the first exhibit that visitors see.

The rod is divided into three parts, their total length is almost 40 cm. There are drawings on one side of the rod. The composition looks like a "procession" of various animals (frog, bull, cobra) and fantastic creatures, many of which are holding a large knife, which symbolizes human protection.

"These kinds of objects are usually covered with engraved images, that is, the drawings are scratched. On our baton, the surface is bas-relief (convex. There are about ten such examples all over the world," explained Olga Vasilyeva, curator of the exhibition and head of the Department of the Ancient East at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts.

The artifact, made of hippopotamus bone, had a ritual purpose. But it is not known for which rituals it was used.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Rod of Goodwill: an ancient Egyptian artifact shown at the Pushkin Museum