Submitted by: JaiAnn Haskins, DC Collaborative Marketing and Communications Intern November 15, 2017

Of the many beautiful and interesting exhibits adorning the halls of the Freer Sackler Galleries, Animals: Divine and Powerful celebrates the importance of animals in ancient Egyptian society. The exhibit explores the vital roles of felines and canines alike, even drawing connections to our modern dogs and house-cats.

Upon entering the exhibit, patrons are met with an astonishing bust of the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet. A detailed description of the importance of zoomorphic gods and goddesses such as Sekhmet provides each patron with an explanation of why these animals were regarded as divine creatures.

During a tour 3rd grade students from John Burroughs Elementary School were given the opportunity to view a mummified cat as well as a sarcophagus belonging to an Egyptian Princess Mayet, nicknamed “Kitty”, and decorated with intricate feline carvings for protection in the afterlife. “Healing Arts” at the National Museum of African Art allowed students to see the deep connection between African art, spirituality, and medicine.   

The exhibit will be on display from November 7th until January 11, 2018 in the Freer Sackler Galleries at the National Museum of African Art.

Be sure to get in and see this exhibit for yourself! Here’s some more information:

Description of the Exhibit: Explore the Freer|Sackler and the National Museum of African Art in one visit! Animals in art serve as spiritual guides, protectors, and healers from ancient civilizations to today. See ancient Egyptian works of art in the special F│S exhibition Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt. Enjoy art from Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and elsewhere in Healing Arts at the National Museum of African Art. Location: Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20560-7012 Discipline: Social Studies; Visual Arts Curriculum Connections:  English/Language Arts, History and Geography Grades: K-12

Quick Links

Freer|Sackler Galleries website

Museum of African Art website

**Divine Felines was organized by The Brooklyn Museum, and this exhibit was sponsored by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars Petcare