"Once you had noticed, divine Master, that I had neglected the divine book filled with your divinity and invoking your providence, I hastened to the task of the history." -- Nechautis, Ancient Egyptian Scribe, 3rd Dynasty

About Celebration of Ancient Egypt

My first memory of being exposed to Ancient Egyptian style art was on a bookcase at my home when I was very small. I didn't know it at the time, but the bookends that my mother had were replicas of a bust of Nefertiti. I later learned that the lady's name was Nefertiti, and in my usual way, asked more and more questions. Thus started my interest in Ancient Egyptian art.

When I was 11 or 12, the Tutankhamun exhibit came to Washington DC. My mother packed me and my younger brother up and we arrived at around 9am to see the exhibit. When we got there, we thought the line wasn't too bad because it only stretched a block outside the museum. We quickly found out that it stretched many blocks winding around inside the museum. Luckily we had friends and met people, who saved our place in line so we could go eat and see other exhibits w hile we waited. I also amused myself by drawing pictures of King Tut's burial mask. By 5pm, my brother and I were whining to leave, not caring that we could actually see the entrance to the exhibit from where we were. Thank the Divine that mother made us stay!

Once we were inside, there was no more rush, no more interest in leaving, just falling into the exquisite beauty and details of the art and artifacts. I'll never forget how I forgot to be tired and forgot that my feet hurt. I'll never forget the absolute fascination I had with peering at the myriad of objects. Gold and jewels and paintings and furniture all filled my eyes and stunned me. I think I walked around the burial mask for at least a half hour, mouth gaping open. I couldn't believe that anyone could create such a beautiful thing, much less anyone a few thousand years ago. In addition to seeing such beauty, seeing that Ancient Egyptian art in person also taught me. It taught me that art can last and is worth doing. In a real way, that lesson has shaped my life.

Thus, I celebrate those artists and craftsmen whose names are long lost in the dust. Their names may be lost, but their style and excellence will not be forgotten. In fact, my mother still has those bookends. :)

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