"Heka: Magic and bewitchment in Ancient Egypt"
2000-09-21 until 2001-01-08
Louvre Museum
Paris, , FR

The association of Egypt with magic and occult practices stems from ancient times and occurs frequently. This fascination for the mysteries of Egypt is expressed in early texts and is present in the world of esoterism, as suggested by the magic duel between Moses and the Pharaoh's magicians or by Greek and Roman inscriptions imploring the Egyptian deities to enhance the effectiveness of magical spells.

As for this formula, it must not be revealed to anyone, no one must know of it. Never reveal it to common mortals! This exhibition, Heka - Magic and bewitchment in Ancient Egypt, departs from this rule and returns to the Egyptian notion of magic by illustrating one of its aspects: Heka. The Egyptians warded off the enemies of the terrestrial order, Death and its emissaries, by means of oral or written rites recorded today on Egyptian papyri and artefacts, such as amulets, wands and other instruments used by a magician. Visitors will discover as many as 250 objects, among them the recently acquired figurines of bound prisoners, which disclose the occult practices in Ancient Egypt and in the succeeding generations.

The exhibition is held in the department of Egyptian Antiquities. Organiser of the exhibition: Marc Etienne, curator of the department of Egyptian Antiquities.

IMAGE:
Bes panthea
26th dynasty,
reign of Psamatik I
© Musée du Louvre / Poncet

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