Ancient Egypt: The Quest for Eternal Life on display at IMAS

Ancient Egypt: The Quest for Eternal Life is on display at the International Museum of Arts and Science in McAllen through Sept. 26.

On loan from the private collection of Giovanni Amin, the exhibit shows how the Egyptians designed complex religious beliefs and allocated vast resources toward their quest for immortality.

The exhibit features a selection of beautifully duplicated Egyptian treasures such as relief panels, the inner Sarcophagus and Funerary Mask of King Tutankhamun, reminders of rituals practiced by this ancient culture.

The sarcophagus and gold death mask were the most famous treasures to emerge from his tomb. The cobra and vulture on the headdress are symbols of his dominance over upper and lower Egypt.

The false beard of divinity, attached to the chin, is that of Osiris, ruler of the netherworld. Engravings on the back comprise a spell from the Book of the Dead and the original mask was of gold inlaid with various precious stones and glass.

The sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun held his three coffins, one inside the other. The inner sarcophagus, like the other two, held symbolism for magical purposes and was an important feature of the Egyptian funerary regalia.

Tutelary deities carved in high relief dominate the decoration of this sarcophagus; there is also the presence of goddesses circling the sarcophagus as if to keep away intruders, protecting the body of the king. Complete with hieroglyphics, this magnificent replica captures the fine detailed beauty of the original.

For more information about this exhibit, please call IMAS at 956-682-1564.