In celebration of the International Day of Musicians: The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir displays a collection of 22 artifacts that express music in ancient Egypt.

In celebration of World Music Day, which falls on June 21 of each year, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir displays a collection of 22 artifacts that express music in ancient Egypt.

Ms. Sabah Abdel Razek, Director General of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, explained that the ancient Egyptian cared a lot about music; Where it had its place in civil and religious life, in feasts, celebrations, banqueting grounds, and temples, and it was an organized art with its origins and rules, and it had supervisors and trainers.

She added that the idol "Hathor" was closely associated with music, as she was called the Lady of Music, and was associated with the protection of music and musicians in ancient Egypt, and music was also associated with the idol only.

This important aspect in the life of the ancient Egyptian has been depicted since the early dynastic period, where artifacts and scenes were found that highlight the importance of music in that period. Ancient Egyptian musical instruments included; Percussion, pneumatic, and stringed instruments.

She pointed out that the displayed pieces include 22 artifacts, including a wooden model depicting a musical band during a musical performance from the Middle Kingdom, which was discovered in the Saqqara antiquities area, and a small vaulted funerary plaque depicting a scene of a fugitive player called “Har Sawa” playing in front of the idol “Ra Hor Akhti”. From the era of the 25th Dynasty, they were discovered in the Sheikh Abd al-Qurna area in Luxor, in addition to a group of single and double flutes made of reeds and two pieces of colored leather that were covers for a drum that were discovered in Akhmim from the late period.

Abdel Razek indicated that drums and tambourines are among the oldest musical instruments known in ancient Egypt, adding that the pieces on display also include a set of clappers, lanterns, tinsel and bells.

This group is made of different materials such as bronze, wood, ivory and gilded wood from the New Kingdom and the Late Period. It was discovered in several regions such as Saqqara, Abydos, Luxor, and San Al-Hajar.

This is in addition to a group of small statues of male and female musicians playing the harp and the harp, and a statue of a man playing the flute. This group is made of terracotta, faience and limestone. It was discovered in various places such as Luxor and Tel Judea. It dates back to the Middle, Modern and Late Kingdoms.

It is worth noting that World Music Day has been celebrated since 1982 and aims to encourage music festivals and competitions and exchange experiences in this field.