Illustrated Narrative Workshop A Pharaoh’s Journey…

Age: 12-18

STARTING POINTS:

OVERVIEW:

In this workshop, students will create an illustrated piece responding to the historical narratives and

Ancient Egyptian mythology that is portrayed throughout the exhibition. They can take inspiration

from Tutankhamun’s own life, the discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter, the journey to the

afterlife, or the legendary curse of the pharaohs. Students in groups will discuss and establish a

short storyline in which to illustrate using mixed media and techniques. They will have a opportunity

to mount their work onto scrolls and present their story to the rest of the group.

MATERIALS:

• Pens & pencils

• Fine liners

• Coloured papers

• Magazines

• Egyptian print outs

• Prittstick

• Scissors

• Paper scrolls

• Black Card

Illustrated Narrative Workshop A Pharaoh’s Journey…

Age: 12-18

PROCESS:

• Welcome students to the workshop

• Recap the exhibition and Tutankhamun’s journey to the afterlife, picking up on potential

themes and narratives to use in the workshop

• Introduce the process, techniques and materials - showing example images of artefacts for

inspiration for visual interpretation

• Students to discuss and establish storyline, draft scenes, and start creating their visuals

• Students will have approximately 40-45 minutes to work on their illustrative narratives

• Each group will mount their work onto paper scrolls or black card for presentation

• Students will come together to share their artwork, explain their story and reflect on the

exhibition

EXAMPLES:

A Pharaoh’s Journey to the Afterlife

The Book of the Dead

The Book of the Dead was a collection of spells enabling the soul of the

deceased to navigate the afterlife. A commonly depicted narrative was the

weighing of the heart ceremony, or spell 125. It is shown below:

• The deceased would need to know how to act in front of the deities at the

gates of the underworld, Toth, Osiris, Anubis, Horus, Ammutt and Ma’at

• Firstly, the deceased would be guided by Anubis to the Hall of Truth, where

they would make the Negative Confession – a list of 42 sins they had to

declare they never committed.

• Next, the heart of the deceased was weighed on a scale in balance to the

white feather of Ma’at.

• If the heart was lighter than the feather, the person was deemed to have lived

an ethical life and will gain access to the afterlife and live in paradise for

eternity.

• If the heart was heavier, it was devoured by Ammutt and the soul would

cease to exist.

• Thoth would record the outcome of the trial.

• Osiris, the King of the Underworld, would grant them through to the Field of

Reeds (their paradise) if the deceased passed the test.

Use this story to create an illustrated narrative storyboard, or create

your own version, thinking about what spells and rituals you would

need to pass through the afterlife!

Think about how the ancient Egyptians depicted their figures and

their distinct style to incorporate this in your work, creating a visual

story including hieroglyphs and symbols.

Amemet: rear of a hippo, head of a crocodile and fore of a lion –

devoured the hearts of those judged to be guilty in the Last Trial

Anubis: Protector of the gates of the underworld and guide for the deceased

Ma’at: Goddess of truth, balance, law, order, morality and justice –

wore a headdress with a feather

Osiris: Lord of the underworld and judge of the dead

Thoth: God of wisdom, writing, hieroglyphs, science and art

– head of an ibis (bird)

Horus: God of kingship and the sky

Isis: Goddess of maternity, love and birth

wore a headdress with a throne

Nephthys: Goddess of the dead

Visual Inspiration: