The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America.
Operating as usual
WESEKH COLLAR
A wesekh collar was believed to protect the mummy on which
it was placed; an additional collar was painted on the mummy’s wrappings. This Faience collar from the Saite Period measures
54.5 cm. (approx. 21 in.) in length.
WESEKH COLLAR
A wesekh collar was believed to protect the mummy on which
it was placed; an additional collar was painted on the mummy’s wrappings. This Faience collar from the Saite Period measures
54.5 cm. (approx. 21 in.) in length.
This statue is one of only seven of Cleopatra to survive from the ancient world. It shows archaizing in the body form and is meant to remind the viewer of the many generations that Cleopatra’s family ruled Egypt. Date: 51-30 BCE
Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68SIH
This statue is one of only seven of Cleopatra to survive from the ancient world. It shows archaizing in the body form and is meant to remind the viewer of the many generations that Cleopatra’s family ruled Egypt. Date: 51-30 BCE
Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68SIH
ALABASTRON
This delicate flask, measuring approximately 2 inches in height, was suspended with strings from the handles near its top and was used to store precious perfumed oils. This piece dates from 525-343 BCE.
ALABASTRON
This delicate flask, measuring approximately 2 inches in height, was suspended with strings from the handles near its top and was used to store precious perfumed oils. This piece dates from 525-343 BCE.
CAT MUMMIES AND COFFIN
The white wood coffin lifts off its base for the mummy to be inserted. This Late Period-Ptolemaic piece is approximately 1.5 feet tall.
CAT MUMMIES AND COFFIN
The white wood coffin lifts off its base for the mummy to be inserted. This Late Period-Ptolemaic piece is approximately 1.5 feet tall.
PECTORAL ORNAMENT
Jewelry of ancient Egypt served a dual purpose: to be beautiful as well as magically protective. This Late Period faience amulet in the shape of a shrine measures approximately 4.5 x 4 inches.
PECTORAL ORNAMENT
Jewelry of ancient Egypt served a dual purpose: to be beautiful as well as magically protective. This Late Period faience amulet in the shape of a shrine measures approximately 4.5 x 4 inches.
Pharaoh Akhnaton worshipped a sole deity whom he called Aton, represented by the sun. This polychrome fragment of a column depicts Akhnaton offering incense to his sole god, the Aton, and being blessed by the hieroglyph for “life” in return.
Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68TZI
Pharaoh Akhnaton worshipped a sole deity whom he called Aton, represented by the sun. This polychrome fragment of a column depicts Akhnaton offering incense to his sole god, the Aton, and being blessed by the hieroglyph for “life” in return.
Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68TZI
BRACELET
The light green bracelet fashioned of glass is from the Greco-Roman period (30 BCE-323CE) and is decorated with brown and white stripes.
BRACELET
The light green bracelet fashioned of glass is from the Greco-Roman period (30 BCE-323CE) and is decorated with brown and white stripes.
This replica of the bust of Nefertiti was created in the 1930s and is made of plaster and paint. This bust of Nefertiti is a very rare replica – one of only three – made off of the original, which is currently in the Egyptian Museum Berlin.
Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68TWx
This replica of the bust of Nefertiti was created in the 1930s and is made of plaster and paint. This bust of Nefertiti is a very rare replica – one of only three – made off of the original, which is currently in the Egyptian Museum Berlin.
Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68TWx
ROYAL CYLINDER SEALS
These royal cylinder seals from the reigns of Amenemhet III and Senroset III are exemplary of both the artistic sense and technical skills of their creators. Dating to the Middle Kingdom (2030-1650 BCE), these seals were used to mark ownership. Sealing clay was placed on the object to be marked and the cylinder was rolled across the clay’s surface, leaving a rectangular impression. These faience seals are 3 cm. and 2 cm. (approx. 1.2 and 0.79 inches) in height, respectively.
ROYAL CYLINDER SEALS
These royal cylinder seals from the reigns of Amenemhet III and Senroset III are exemplary of both the artistic sense and technical skills of their creators. Dating to the Middle Kingdom (2030-1650 BCE), these seals were used to mark ownership. Sealing clay was placed on the object to be marked and the cylinder was rolled across the clay’s surface, leaving a rectangular impression. These faience seals are 3 cm. and 2 cm. (approx. 1.2 and 0.79 inches) in height, respectively.
USERMONTU'S COFFIN
This exquisite painted wooden funerary coffin, just shy of 6 feet in length, was used for burial of Usermontu, the priest of Montu, in Thebes between 664 and 525 BCE. The mummy who occupied this coffin has been the subject of research to determine his origin as there are characteristics that indicate he could be royal.
USERMONTU'S COFFIN
This exquisite painted wooden funerary coffin, just shy of 6 feet in length, was used for burial of Usermontu, the priest of Montu, in Thebes between 664 and 525 BCE. The mummy who occupied this coffin has been the subject of research to determine his origin as there are characteristics that indicate he could be royal.
ANKH PENDANTS AND MOLD
These faience ankhs date from the New Kingdom (16th to 11th centuries, BCE), which is considered the height of Egyptian power. Measuring 2-3 cm in height, they are accompanied by a mold that was used for making such objects. Finely ground raw material was placed in the mold then fired, resulting in a glazed piece of jewelry.
ANKH PENDANTS AND MOLD
These faience ankhs date from the New Kingdom (16th to 11th centuries, BCE), which is considered the height of Egyptian power. Measuring 2-3 cm in height, they are accompanied by a mold that was used for making such objects. Finely ground raw material was placed in the mold then fired, resulting in a glazed piece of jewelry.
This mysterious mummy does not display the style of mummification of the time period of the coffin in which he was discovered. A piece of linen from his wrist dates to 400 BCE, but he has a style of mummification pointing towards a much earlier era, perhaps as far back as 1570 BCE, or maybe slightly later. The date of origin and familial lineage of this mummy is still under investigation. Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68V7w
This mysterious mummy does not display the style of mummification of the time period of the coffin in which he was discovered. A piece of linen from his wrist dates to 400 BCE, but he has a style of mummification pointing towards a much earlier era, perhaps as far back as 1570 BCE, or maybe slightly later. The date of origin and familial lineage of this mummy is still under investigation. Check out the 3-D image here: https://skfb.ly/68V7w
We are excited to announce that our Senet Club is now open!
Come join us every Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM to play an Ancient Egyptian board game presented by The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum!
We are excited to announce that our Senet Club is now open!
Come join us every Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM to play an Ancient Egyptian board game presented by The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum!
MASK - COFFIN FRAGMENT
Coffin shapes evolved over time and this fragment is from one of anthropomorphic style. The face was formed and painted to create an idealized image of the deceased. This wood and stucco piece from the Ptolemaic period is approximately 12.5 inches tall.
MASK - COFFIN FRAGMENT
Coffin shapes evolved over time and this fragment is from one of anthropomorphic style. The face was formed and painted to create an idealized image of the deceased. This wood and stucco piece from the Ptolemaic period is approximately 12.5 inches tall.
APIS BULL HEAD MUMMY
The Apis bull, a symbol of the god Ptah, was treated with special reverence including titles like those of a pharaoh and a burial worthy of a living deity on earth. There was only one Apis bull at a time and it was carefully chosen to meet specific criteria including having a white triangle on its forehead and a curly tail. This piece dates from the 19th dynasty and measures more than 2 ft. (approximately 27x27x24 in.)
APIS BULL HEAD MUMMY
The Apis bull, a symbol of the god Ptah, was treated with special reverence including titles like those of a pharaoh and a burial worthy of a living deity on earth. There was only one Apis bull at a time and it was carefully chosen to meet specific criteria including having a white triangle on its forehead and a curly tail. This piece dates from the 19th dynasty and measures more than 2 ft. (approximately 27x27x24 in.)
COSMETIC SPOON
This carved wooden spoon was used with the cosmetics ancient Egyptians used for adornment as well as for protection from the sun’s glare. Cosmetic spoons may also have been used to throw myrrh on ceremonial or funerary fires as offerings.
This piece, measuring about 8 1/2 inches in length, is from the Amarna period, which coincides with the reign of Akhenaton (1353-36 BCE). The style of carving on the young girl who holds the bowl displays the fluidity of form typical of this period. The use of the adolescent girl motif may be an oblique reference to Hathor, the goddess of sexual beauty.
COSMETIC SPOON
This carved wooden spoon was used with the cosmetics ancient Egyptians used for adornment as well as for protection from the sun’s glare. Cosmetic spoons may also have been used to throw myrrh on ceremonial or funerary fires as offerings.
This piece, measuring about 8 1/2 inches in length, is from the Amarna period, which coincides with the reign of Akhenaton (1353-36 BCE). The style of carving on the young girl who holds the bowl displays the fluidity of form typical of this period. The use of the adolescent girl motif may be an oblique reference to Hathor, the goddess of sexual beauty.
!["Far more than a local cemetery, [Saqqara] became a pilgrimage site, 'like an ancient Mecca or Lourdes,' attracting visi...](https://external.fymy1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=AQEoCTF2157C4Dm7&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthumbs-prod.si-cdn.com%2FAlmsYANTANSjvqv6ttJgO80CIlc%3D%2Ffit-in%2F1600x0%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fpublic-media.si-cdn.com%2Ffiler%2F34%2F23%2F34236cc1-e4de-46f9-9df5-7333ca2cec65%2Fsaqqara_opener_sm.jpg&ext=emg0&_nc_eui2=AeEPHqCuvl-_kzl1W3uP-x08z20KatOmITfPbQpq06YhN8NaKB7fgydr5_sh8lSd4lI&_nc_oe=6f127&_nc_sid=64c8fc&ccb=3-5&_nc_hash=AQHRlv0x4CIp2XUn)
"Far more than a local cemetery, [Saqqara] became a pilgrimage site, 'like an ancient Mecca or Lourdes,' attracting visitors not just from Egypt but from all over the eastern Mediterranean. Saqqara would have been the place to be seen dead in. It had this numinous, divine energy that would help you get into the afterlife.”
Dramatic new discoveries in the ancient Egytptian burial ground. A special report produced with Smithsonian Channel
Photos from Rosicrucian Park's post
BES JARS
Bes jars such as these were believed to magically transform the liquid they contained into medicine that protected or healed the person drinking from them. These jars, from the New Kingdom-Roman Period, are composed of red pottery and Egyptian Blue ceramic and measure up to almost 8 inches tall.
Sources:
www.egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC – 2220, 216, 217, 1704. Retrieved 01/18/21 from https://egyptianmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/227FD582-1312-4CC3-BCD3-092907711573
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 54. Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc.
BES JARS
Bes jars such as these were believed to magically transform the liquid they contained into medicine that protected or healed the person drinking from them. These jars, from the New Kingdom-Roman Period, are composed of red pottery and Egyptian Blue ceramic and measure up to almost 8 inches tall.
Sources:
www.egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC – 2220, 216, 217, 1704. Retrieved 01/18/21 from https://egyptianmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/227FD582-1312-4CC3-BCD3-092907711573
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 54. Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc.
SENET BOARD
Senet is one of the oldest known board games and was played at home, work, and in religious contexts. Senet artifacts have been discovered from as far back as Egypt’s First Dynasty. This particularly fine specimen dates from the New Kingdom (1549-1069 BCE). Crafted from cedar, it measures approximately 21 inches long, 5 inches wide and, due to its fine craftsmanship and imported material, would have been found in a moderately wealthy household.
Sources:
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 48. Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc
SENET BOARD
Senet is one of the oldest known board games and was played at home, work, and in religious contexts. Senet artifacts have been discovered from as far back as Egypt’s First Dynasty. This particularly fine specimen dates from the New Kingdom (1549-1069 BCE). Crafted from cedar, it measures approximately 21 inches long, 5 inches wide and, due to its fine craftsmanship and imported material, would have been found in a moderately wealthy household.
Sources:
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 48. Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc
Hathor Amulets
Daughter of Ra and wife of Horus, Hathor was the goddess of love and sexual beauty in ancient Egypt and as such was the protector of women. Whether schematic, as with the cylindrical example, or more realistic as seen in the standing statue, these amulets would have been worn by women of the Second Intermediate Period to evoke Hathor’s protection.
Material: faience; dimensions: height up to 2 in.
Sources:
www.egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC-1109 and RC-64. Retrieved 01/18/21 from
https://egyptianmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/E7E403A0-51FF-47F5-AD1E-439196078487
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 53. GrandLodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc.
Hathor Amulets
Daughter of Ra and wife of Horus, Hathor was the goddess of love and sexual beauty in ancient Egypt and as such was the protector of women. Whether schematic, as with the cylindrical example, or more realistic as seen in the standing statue, these amulets would have been worn by women of the Second Intermediate Period to evoke Hathor’s protection.
Material: faience; dimensions: height up to 2 in.
Sources:
www.egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC-1109 and RC-64. Retrieved 01/18/21 from
https://egyptianmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/E7E403A0-51FF-47F5-AD1E-439196078487
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 53. GrandLodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc.
Akhenaten has been credited with originating monotheism, and here he is depicted offering incense to his one god. This fragment of a column measures approximately 9 x 13.5 inches and dates to somewhere between 1350-1341 BCE, which was early in Akhenaten’s reign.
Sources:
egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC-2070. Retrieved 01/18/21 from:
https://egyptianmuseum.org/explore/new-kingdom
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 88. Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc.
Akhenaten has been credited with originating monotheism, and here he is depicted offering incense to his one god. This fragment of a column measures approximately 9 x 13.5 inches and dates to somewhere between 1350-1341 BCE, which was early in Akhenaten’s reign.
Sources:
egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC-2070. Retrieved 01/18/21 from:
https://egyptianmuseum.org/explore/new-kingdom
Schwappach-Shirriff, L. 2004. Treasures of the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Catalogue. p. 88. Grand Lodge of the English Language Jurisdiction, AMORC, Inc.
Future home of the Rosicrucian Alchemy Museum at Rosicrucian Park!
These pillows of ancient Egypt most likely served several functions and were used in daily life as well as in burial chambers. They are believed to have protected elaborate hairstyles while their owners slept as well as allowing air to circulate under the head and around the neck, thus facilitating sleep and rest in Egypt’s hot climate. As funerary objects, elaborately carved headrests seem to have served as protection for the head of the mummy, and some of these pillows bear inscriptions that translate as “sleep well”. Most of the artisans who created these and other treasures we now enjoy remain unknown; what we do know is that they made use of everything they could find in their natural environment to create these objects that were used in both life and death by the ancient Egyptian culture. These three specimens, one each from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, were carved from cedar wood and average approximately 6 inches in height by 11 inches in length. Sources: egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC-1612.
Retrieved 01/18/21 from https://egyptianmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/90944E12-DFB6-4B26-94D9-519914217048
These pillows of ancient Egypt most likely served several functions and were used in daily life as well as in burial chambers. They are believed to have protected elaborate hairstyles while their owners slept as well as allowing air to circulate under the head and around the neck, thus facilitating sleep and rest in Egypt’s hot climate. As funerary objects, elaborately carved headrests seem to have served as protection for the head of the mummy, and some of these pillows bear inscriptions that translate as “sleep well”. Most of the artisans who created these and other treasures we now enjoy remain unknown; what we do know is that they made use of everything they could find in their natural environment to create these objects that were used in both life and death by the ancient Egyptian culture. These three specimens, one each from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, were carved from cedar wood and average approximately 6 inches in height by 11 inches in length. Sources: egyptianmuseum.org, catalog no. RC-1612.
Retrieved 01/18/21 from https://egyptianmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/90944E12-DFB6-4B26-94D9-519914217048
1660 Park Ave
San Jose, CA
95191
Parking: We have free parking in our Parking lot, located on the corner of Naglee and Chapman (one block east of the Museum). Buses: Load and unload passengers in front of the Museum on Park Avenue. Bus parking is located one block east on Naglee Ave. (take a right on Naglee off Park Ave.) Public Transportation: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority website contains bus schedules and route maps. There are three bus routes to Rosicrucian Park: Route 36, Route 62, Route 81 CalTrain: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority website also contains train schedules.
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| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 6pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 6pm |
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A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide Learn about the era when Egypt was the leading scientific, cultural, and religious province of the Roman Empire, as well as a cradle of early Christianity, in this overview from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide Learn more about Alexander the Great and the Pharaoh Cleopatra VII in this overview from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide Learn about the last period of native rule in Egypt, an era when Ancient Egyptians saw the throne change hands often, in this overview from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
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A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide Learn about how Ancient Egypt recovered from a dark period to reunify and flourish culturally and economically under the leadership of long-ruling pharaohs in this overview from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
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A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide Take a tour though Predynastic Egypt in this overview from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide From Amun to Thoth, discover the Gods and Godesses of Ancient Egypt.
Vocabulary in Ancient Egypt: A Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Educational Guide Take a journey through the phrases and terms from the culture of Ancient Egypt in this overview from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
Experience what it is like to be a volunteer or an intern at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum!
Experience what it is like to be a volunteer or an intern at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum!
Experience what it is like to be a volunteer or an intern at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum!
A beautiful new video of Rosicrucian Park! Intuitive music improvisations © and ℗ in 2015 by Herb Ernst (www.herbernst.com).
An awesome video made by some of our Junior Archaeologists!
Architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America.
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