Mummie van farao Ramses II c. 1890 - 1895

This photograph shows the mummified head and neck of Pharaoh Ramses II, taken in Cairo. The image is a product of photography, a relatively new technology at the time, but it captures a practice with ancient roots. Mummification was an elaborate and labour-intensive process involving skilled embalmers, specialized tools, and various materials like linen, resins, and natron salts. This photograph doesn’t reveal these processes directly, but it invites us to consider the enormous social effort that went into this work, as only elites could afford this luxury. The mummy itself speaks volumes about ancient Egyptian beliefs and social hierarchy. The preservation of the body was central to the concept of the afterlife, and a testament to power and wealth, demanding skilled labor and valuable resources. This image beautifully presents how materials, making, and social context intertwine to give objects their full meaning, challenging conventional notions of art and craft.