The fascinating and elaborate death rituals of the Ancient Egyptians will be on show at Queensland Museum South Bank from 28 February until 21 May 2006.

Life and Death in Ancient Egypt: Keku's Story brings together a wealth of more than 200 rare Egyptian artefacts including hieroglyphs, mummified human and animal remains, amulets, spells, linen wrapping, papyrus funerary texts (including Books of the Dead), stunning jewellery and extravagantly decorated sarcophagi.

Central to this captivating exhibition is the magnificently adorned mummy and elaborately inscribed coffins of Keku, a wealthy Egyptian woman who lived in Thebes 2,700 years ago.

Ancient Egyptians believed that when they died, their spiritual body would continue to exist in an afterlife similar to the living world. The journey to the afterlife was fraught with danger so special preparations both before and after death were necessary.

Visitors will follow Keku's journey into the treacherous underworld and on to the afterlife, observing her elaborate preparations for an everlasting life.

They can observe how clothing, spells, amulets and shabtis (tiny statues which did your work for you in the afterlife) were acquired and placed in the tomb.

They will also see artefacts used in embalmers tents, learn about the mummification process, and see how hieroglyphics are translated.

The results of modern technology such as the X-rays and CT (computerised tomography) scans used to reveal Keku's gender, age and body organs (some surprisingly still in place) will also be on show.

Current scientific research on mummies, including ancient DNA, diseases and the origins of mummification is also highlighted.

Life and Death in Ancient Egypt: Keku's Story is a travelling exhibition organised by the Australian Museum in conjunction with the National Museum of Antiquities, The Netherlands.

The exhibition will be on show at Queensland Museum South Bank from 28 February until 21 May 2006.

Admission: Adult $11, Concession $8, Child (5 - 16) $6, Family (2 + 4) $26

An extensive series of free public talks and a free hands-on Egyptian Explorer Easter holiday program will complement the exhibition. For more information: http://www.qmsouthbank.museum.qld.gov.au/calendar/2006/keku/talks.asp

Queensland Museum South Bank is open daily from 9.30am until 5pm. (Closed Good Friday, open Anzac Day from 1.30pm) Telephone (07) 3840 7555 or visit http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/

Please note: This exhibition contains human remains and may be unsuitable for some visitors. Queensland Museum South Bank recommends that children be accompanied by an adult.

Media contact: Sarah Perrott on 3842 9388 or 0417 741 710

Sarah Perrott
Manager - Corporate Public Relations
Queensland Museum
Ph: 3842 9388 or 0417 741 710
Fax: 3846 1918
www.Qmuseum.qld.gov.au