EGYPT’S MYSTERIOUS BOOK OF THE FAIYUM the green Faiyum contrasts starkly with the beige desert surrounding it; as a result, the oasis somewhat resembles a leaf of ivy branching off of the green stem of the Nile Valley. When 19th-century scholars and enthusiasts first saw the Book of the Faiyum, some thought it represented the legendary Egyptian labyrinth, described by ancient Greek and Roman authors including Herodotus, Strabo, and Pliny the Elder. Egyptologists today, however, recognize the maplike features of the papyrus as a depiction of Lake Moeris and the canal that feeds it. This bird’s-eye view of the region is only visible once the entire composition is revealed—a feat that requires a large display area. Most ancient Egyptians would have encountered the Book of the Faiyum one short section at a time; readers often held papyrus rolls in one hand, while using the other to unroll the text across their laps. Egypt’s Mysterious Book of the Faiyum displays approximately 80 works of ancient Egyptian art, including statues, reliefs, parts of coffins, papyri, and jewelry. Moving through the galleries, as if traversing the lake or walking through the narrative of the book itself, visitors will encounter works of art that portray the divine figures illustrated in the book. Most prominent among these gods is Sobek, the crocodile god. The ancient Egyptians both feared and revered the crocodile,
6 × THEWALTERS.ORG
one of Egypt’s most voracious and deadly animals. Lake Moeris was a popular habitat for crocodiles, and as a result the Faiyum region became a religious center for the worship of Sobek. Temples of Sobek often were home to sacred crocodiles, which were mummified after they died. Egypt’s Mysterious Book of the Faiyum brings together a number of rare depictions of Sobek, drawn from prestigious museum collections. The Book of the Faiyum offers a window onto cultural, intellectual, and religious life in a unique ancient Egyptian place. Over the course of many centuries, the ancient Egyptians depicted the gods and myths seen in the Book of the Faiyum countless times. Stories of divine creation and the sun god’s nightly regeneration, featured prominently in the book, frequently appeared in ancient Egyptian art. The Book of the Faiyum, however, creates a local context for universal narratives, tailoring them to suit the Faiyum’s specific history and geography. The story of the Ogdoad, eight primeval gods who took the form of snakes and frogs, provides a good example of this. One section of the Book of the Faiyum illustrates these gods in an act of creation: creating Lake Moeris by digging it out with their own hands. The complex, layered imagery of the Book of the Faiyum continues to challenge scholars today. This exhibition encourages reflection on the mysteries surrounding the Book of the Faiyum, including why it was made and for whom.