The House of Death Gallery

The House of Death gallery is located on the ground floor of the Egypt Centre. The hieroglyphs above the doors to the gallery read as per-nefer, which translates literally as “House of Beauty”. In Egyptian terms, it was used specifically to refer to the funerary workshop where the mummification would have been performed.

A rectangular sign with a background that resembles papyrus. Two red figures, resembling Anubis, are kneeling on either side of the sign, pointing towards the centre. In the center, there is a hieroglyph representing the "House of Death" and the Welsh translation "Ty Marwolaeth."

Objects in the House of Death gallery largely relate to the funerary sphere. Cases are divided into themes, including amulets, mummification, coffin fragments, shabtis, and animals.

A floor plan of the House of Death at the Egypt Centre in Swansea, Wales. The map shows the layout of the various rooms and exhibits, including the Hierogift Shop, Kings Case, Coffin Fragments, Faces and Coffins, Cartonnage & Body Coverings, Religion in the Home, Relief and Stelae, Mummification Activity, Provisions for the Dead, Gods, Amulets, Shabtis, Ptah Sokar Osiris, Djedher, Mummification Case, Stelae, Hologram, Coffin, Stairs to First Floor, Entrance, and To Taliesin.

Also on display is the coffin of a Chantress (singer) of Amun, Iwesenhesetmut, who lived some 3,000 years ago. The coffin is beautifully decorated on the exterior with scenes of Iwesenhesetmut before the gods. She even has her heart weighed against the feather of truth to determine if she led a good life!

A photo of the House of Death exhibit at the Egypt Centre in Swansea, Wales. The exhibit features a large glass case containing a coffin. Behind the case, there are several smaller display cases containing other ancient Egyptian artefacts, including masks, amulets, and a scale.

Visitors to the gallery can participate in several public activities. Think you have what it takes to be a mummifier? Test your skills on our dummy-mummy, Bob. But beware, it’s not for the squeamish!

Two individuals dressed in ancient Egyptian-themed costumes stand thoughtfully next to a replica of a mummified body on a funerary bed. Both are posing with their hands on their chins, as if in deep contemplation. One wears a white robe and a head covering, while the other wears a blue and gold headdress and a decorative robe.

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