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Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Charles Marshall et al, Charles Frederick Marshall 1917, 1918_
This photograph shows Charles Marshall in Egypt, 1918Digital copy of black and white photograph. "Charles Marshall. Egypt 1918"charles marshall, world war 1 -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Horse stalls
Horses were transported to Egypt in stalls below deck on troop ships. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. Black and white photograph glued to fluted plastic board showing horses in stalls on board ship, probably A16 carrying the 8th Light Horse to Egypt.world war one, wwi, aif, egypt, a16, ship, 8th, light horse, horse -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Ceremonial object - Ushabti of Taweret-Khaiti, Circa 1292 BC
Ushabti are tiny anthropoid (human-shaped) figures placed in the tombs of wealthy Egyptians. They were intended to do the work of the deceased in the afterlife. This purpose is implied through their name, which may have derived from the Egyptian word “to answer”. The Burke Museum in Beechworth is home to a particular ancient Egyptian Ushabti figure. This artefact was donated to the Museum in 1875. No details about how it left Egypt, arrived in Australia, and where it was located before this donation are known. The Nineteenth Century, when this artefact was donated, was a period when many museums acquired items of ancient Egyptian heritage. Many of these items were procured in less than desirable circumstances, having often been looted from ancient tombs and sold to tourists without documentation as to their original location and/or accompanying grave goods. These artefacts were also divested through partage (the trading of artefacts for funds); however, the latter is unlikely to have been the case for this artefact. Since the Ushabti was donated by an unknown donor, it is likely to have been in a private collection rather than an institution. Ushabti can be dated using iconographic analysis which is non-invasive and provides a comprehensive study of the artefact. The later period of the 18th Dynasty marked the beginning of an increase in both the inclusion of Ushabti as essential funerary items and the creation of Ushabti with tools. From this period, they are no longer depicted without tools. Depictions of tools including gardening hoes are frequently depicted grasped in the Ushabti’s hands whilst items like the seed-bag are depicted hanging on the back rather than in an alternative position. This Ushabti figure grasps a gardening hoe and a mattock and a small seed bag surrounded by a yoke bearing water jars are depicted on the upper back of the Ushabti. These features are essential in helping narrow this dating to the late 18th and before the early 20th Dynasty. The position of this seed bag also provides dating information. In the early 18th Dynasty this bag was consistently drawn on the front of the figurine; however, by the reign of Seti I, this feature moved to the back. Thus, since the seed bag is located on the back of this Ushabti, it cannot date to the early 18th Dynasty. By the 19th Dynasty, Ushabti’s were increasingly made from either faience or terracotta. The availability of these materials in Egypt resulted in the increase of Ushabti production with tombs containing many more figurines than previously seen. The Ushabti held by the Burke collections is made from terracotta. Terracotta was rarely used for Ushabti before and during the early 18th Dynasty with only the odd appearance until the late 18th Dynasty and becoming common through that period until the late Third Intermediate Period. Whilst the face has been damaged, there is no evidence for the Ushabti having been provided with an Osirian false beard. This omission rules out a dating of later than the 25th Dynasty when beards became prominent. The inscriptions also date the Ushabti to the New Kingdom. This is because of the use of sḥḏ (“to illuminate”) with Wsjr (“Osiris”) which only occurs in these periods. Therefore, considering all these elements, the Ushabti can be confidently be dated to between the late 18th to early 19th dynasty.Artefacts like this Ushabti are no longer exclusively representative of their origins in burial assemblages and significance in the mythology of the Egyptian afterlife but are also significant for the accumulated histories they have gained through travel. The movement of this artefact from Egypt to Australia allows insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century, and in particular, the reception of ancient Egyptian artefacts in small rural museums. The procurement of Egyptian artefacts was a social trend around the late 1800s to early 1900s. Egyptian artefacts were considered curiosities and recognised for their ability to attract public attention to museums. They were also utilised in Australian museums, like the Burke Museum, to connect the collection to one of the oldest civilisations known to man and since Australia was considered a “young” country by European settlers, this was vital and derived from an interest in Darwin’s “Origin of the Species” 1859. Furthermore, there was a culture of collecting in the 1800s amongst the affluent in English society which led to the appearance of many Egyptian artefacts in private collections. The acquisition of this Ushabti figure is not certain, but it was likely donated from a private collection rather than an institution. This particular artefact is significant as an example of a high-quality Ushabti representative of those produced during the late 18th or early 19th century. It provides insight into the individualism of an Ushabti and the mythology of ancient Egypt. It also provides an example of the types of items required in the tomb assemblages of this period and reinforces the importance of ensuring the successful afterlife of the deceased through art. This Ushabti belonged to a woman named Taweret-Khaiti, Chantress of Amun, in the late 18th Dynasty or early 19th Dynasty (c.1292 BC) of the Egyptian New Kingdom. It likely comes from an undetermined tomb in the locality of Thebes. This figure is made from Nile silt clay (a polyester terracotta; clay sourced from the banks of the Nile River) which was a popular material for Ushabti construction in the early 19th Dynasty. It is in a fair state of preservation (with the exception of a break through the centre) and originally made to a high quality. The face has been damaged but the eyes and eyebrows are clearly marked with black ink and the sclera painted white. The Ushabti is painted a light brown/yellow colour and features a vertical line of inscription down the lower front. The Ushabti wears a large wig and and a schematic collar. The arms are painted light brown and depicted crossed with bracelets around the wrists. It grasps a hoe and mattock. A yellow seed-basket is depicted on the Ushabti’s back. These features represent the likelihood that this particular Ushabti was intended to complete farm work for the deceased in the next life. There would have been additional Ushabti of similar design within the tomb who worked under the supervision of a foreman Ushabti. The foreman Ushabti would be depicted dressed in the clothing of the living. The inscriptions are painted freehand in black ink and written in a vertical column from the base of the collar to the foot pedestal on the front of the Ushabti. The owner of the Ushabti could elect to have the figures inscribed with their name, the Ushabti spell and any other details they deemed necessary. In the case of this example, the Ushabti is inscribed with the owner’s details and is an abbreviated version of the standard Ushabti formula. This formula ensured that the Ushabti would complete the desired task in the afterlife when called upon by the deceased. Ushabti which were not inscribed would represent their intended purpose through design; however, this Ushabti, like most made in the late 18th Dynasty, conveys its purpose both through both design and inscription. The inscription is as follows: sHD wsir nbt pr Smayt imn tA-wr(t)-xai(ti) mAa xrw which translates to: "The illuminated one, the Osiris (the deceased), the mistress of the household, Chantress of Amun, Taweret-Khaiti, true of voice (justified)"ancient egypt -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - PYRAMID CROSS, c.1914 - 18
Item brought home from Egypt as a souvenir.Metal cross with 5 pyramid shapes raised on, gold coloured coated. A small angle shape at the top for a chain or other objectreligion - christian, metal work -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - WALL HANGING, EMBROIDED SILK, 1919
Square silk embroidered wall hanging with light and dark blue triangles. In multi colours with cream cotton lace borders on all sides."Australian Commonwealth 1919 Military Forces, Souvenir of Egypt, 4th L.H. " To my Dear Wife From Your Loving Husband Dick" souvenir, textile, silk, lace -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Port Said - Ferdinand de Lesseps, c. 1915
This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Postcard sent to 'Dossie' (Dorothy Richardson, later Rogers) by her brother during World War 1.Dossie Picture of where we landed for you from your soldier brother Frank with love & good wishes from Egypt. xxxxxxxworld war 1, dorothy rogers, cairo -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Charles Marshall et al, Church at Mataria. Fresco 3, 1917_
This photograph shows a fresco from a Church in Mataria, near Cairo. This fresco depicts Joseph. Mary and infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod.Digital copy of black and white photograph. "Going out of Egypt"charles marshall, world war 1 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Photograph, Light Horse on way, c. 1917
A sepia toned photograph mounted on card. It shows approx 17 Australian Light Horse riding down street. The street is lined with people 4 or 5 deep watching. Two storey buildings with balconies line the shown side of the street. The dress of spectators suggest that the setting is in Egypt.On back: "ALH on way"photograph, light horse -
Federation University Historical Collection
Postcard, Crossing the Suez via Pontoon Bridge, 1915
During WWI some AIF soldiers were located at the Suez in Egypt.Postcard with sepia photograph of Suez canal with soldiers crossing a pontoon bridge.Verso: "POST CARD" at centre top, "Correspondence" LHS top and "Address" RHS top "No 2" in black ink handwritten on top LHS corner. Handwriting blacked out on centre. "crossing the Suez via Pontoon Bridge" in pencilsuez, soldiers, wwi, world war one, canal, pontoon bridge, holmes, anzac -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photo album
Photos brought back after WW2 of scenes of Middle East, before WW2 by Fred (Mac) Colliver, given to his neice, M. Normington.Plastic album with pockets containing black and white photos of the Middle East.m. normington, fred colliver, egypt, middle east -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 8LH Egypt 1916
The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Framed black and white photograph of large body of mounted soldiers being 'A' Squadron 8th Light Horse Regiment taken in Egypt 1916. Heavy wooden frame.light horse, 8th, wwi, world war one, egypt -
Orbost & District Historical Society
gift book, Australian armed Forces, Australian Gift Book, 1916
Early in World War I local women's groups in Australia began working to provide provide tobacco, cakes, puddings, condensed milk, sugar, biscuits, newspapers and other 'luxury' items to supplement the Australian soldier's army rations. These fund-raising bodies were amalgamated in 1916 to form a national body, The Australian Comforts Fund (ACF), which undertook to provide 'comforts' to all Australians abroad. Sales of this book raised funds for The Australian Comforts Fund.A thin book with a brown fabric cover. On the cover is a black line drawing of a koala in a tree. It contains a summary of the work done by the Australian Comforts Funds at the front, Anzac and Mudros, at the camps in Egypt with a summary of gifts and statement of accounts.The book sold for 3/- or 15 P.T. in aid of the A.C.F. It was edited by William Beit. -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 8LH compilation
The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Framed compilation of five black and white photographs of 8th Light Horse squadrons plus transport and officers, also colour patch. Photographs taken in Egypt c. 1915.8th, light horse, wwi, world war one, egypt -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, New bridge at Rodah, c.1912
Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. This postcard also records Gallipoli for those who didn't have cameras. This type of souvenir would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1 and many had served at Gallipoli.Postcard showing black and white image of the bridge at Rodah, Guizeh (Giza). Several figures and a tram are also pictured crossing the bridge. A black postal stamp in the top left quadrant of the postcard indicates it was posted from Cairo. The back of the postcard contains a message. Based on the date and location it was posted from, the text could be Egyptian Arabic or it could be Pitman shorthand.Front - “(Guizeh) Nouveau grand pont de Rodah - (Guizeh) New large bridge at Rodah.” Back - “J/15/1912/ CARTE POSTALE / M J?. Hinaul / 20 Rue de Landrecies/ Le Cateau (Nord)/ France/ Ghino Dukich, 21 Rue Nubar Pacha - Le Caire, Egypte/ Serie A No. 25. Reproduction interdite” Stamps - Postes Egyptiennes/ Un Millieme”souvenir, war correspondence -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Framed Print, Original photo 28/2/1915
The 11th Battalion, Australian Infantry was raised at Blackboy Hill Camp Bellevue in Western Australia on the 17th of August 1914. Following a period of training of just 2 weeks the Battalion embarked at Fremantle on the HMAS Ascantius on the 11th of November 1918. The Ascantius formed part of a convoy 38 troop ships carrying approximately 35,000 Australians and New Zealanders and reached the port of Alexandria Egypt on the 3rd of December 1914. After arriving in Egypt, the Battalion camped and trained at Mena, ten miles from Cairo at the foot of the great pyramid Cheops. On the 10th of January 1915 prior to leaving Egypt, a photograph of more than 800 original officers and men of the battalion was undertaken at the great pyramid of Cheops on the 28th of February 1915Historical photograph of the 11th Infantry Btn taken on the Cheops Pyramid Mena Egypt on the 28/2/1914Plastic framed print behind glass with plaque medals and two rising sun badgesAnzac and plaque describing the historical significance.11 battalion aif cheop pyramid egypt photo pegan anzac mena hmas ascantius -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Framed Photo, WW1 Photo of Troops (Copy), (estimated); post WW1
There is no record of owner, donor, or who the troops in the photo are.This photo copy is in a black wooden frame and is of troops sitting in front of the Sphynx in Egypt. Figures can also be seen climbing the Sphynx.Written under the photo - Copy by Mildura Studiosww1, sphynx, egypt -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - WWI LH resting, November 1917
The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse.Comparatively rare collection of photographs of 8th Light Horse (AIF) on operations in Egypt and Sinai 1916-1918.Black and White photograph of column of horsemen, dismounted, in desert landscape. Two figures reclining at left foreground. Part of a collection of photographs of 8th Light Horse (AIF) on operations in Egypt and Sinai 1916-1918."Resting in Wadi Ghuzzie outside Beershaba (slopes of Tel el Saba top right)"beersheba, light horse, wwi, world war one, egypt, wadi ghuzie -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Framed Photograph, Taggarts, 1916
Framed studio b&w photo of Taggart family of 4th Australian Light Horse. Standing Tpr John Taggart, seated - Sgt Roy Taggart and Lcpl Jack TaggartOn back : "Picture Framing" by Mervyn Taggart 03 95988452 Caption: Trooper John Taggart, Sergeant Roy Taggart (Later WO1) Lance Corporal Jack Taggart (Later Corporal) Egypt February 1916 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Leisure object - Sheet music, On the road to victory, 1941
This piece of music has been produced during World War Two (1941) as a propaganda and fund-raising piece for the people of Alexandria in Egypt. It has both Greek and British backing with the headings on the cover in both languages. The music is a march and the title suggests that victory is on the way so the emotions are being stirred to keep up the morale. Egypt in World War Two was still under British influence and Alexandria is a port in Egypt at the mouth of the Nile River. In 1941 British battleships were based in the Alexandria harbor and two of them were disabled by Italian Navy divers. Hence it is not clear why it was the Hellenic (Greek) Red Cross raising funds for Alexandria through the sale of this music which was produced in that city by the Moharrem Press (founded 1938) and composed by Lena Bonfiliou, probably a Greek person. It is not known if this piece of music was bought in Australia or brought back to Australia by an Australian military person during World War Two.This is an interesting piece of music. Its connection to Warrnambool is not known but it is an example of the type of music produced during World War Two to help the war effort. This is a four page piece of music, ‘On the Road to Victory’ (a march) with a front cover, a blank end page and two pages of musical notation. The latter pages have black printing on white pages. The front cover has both Greek and English printing and a colour image of four British and Greek flags resting on a gun carriage with armaments underneath and indications of an explosion. There is a red stamp on the cover (Hellenic Red Cross). The pages are in good condition. English printing: ‘On the Road to Victory, March, P12’ Stamp: ‘For the Hellenic Red Cross, Alexandria’ alexandria, hellenic red cross, warrnambool, on the road to victory music -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir, Ashtray
Example of trench art, an ashtray made from brass (possibly originally recovered from a used munition cartridge). The finished item has been engraved with the RAAF insignia and motto and the words "EGYPT 1941".This small ashtray has been engraved with the RAAF insignia and motto and the words "EGYPT 1941". -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
Embroidered cloth, c1916
This is an example of a typical souvenir bought home from the middle-east by Australian troops. These items were made by local women and sold as souvenirs to the allies. Tpr C L Worcester served in Egypt with 4th Light Horse 1916.Framed silk- cloth embroidered with flags and flowers.Embroidered onto fabric is: "To Mother with Love from Tpr C L Worcester" and 1916 , 4th Light Horseww1 souvenir, light horse -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - BANNER, RED, GREETINGS FROM EGYPT, Unknown
Oliver Heffernan AIF.This is a long glossy red cotton banner. At each end are woven tapes, hemmed at the bottom. At each end, approx 50 cm it is sewn onto the red material. "Souvenir of Egypt". It has a union flag and a flag shoing three half moons, with a star each. It has two pyramids sewn on, and a Happy Sphinx. There are stylised plants and bushes, In the centre of the banner and the words - To Lily with love from Oliver". Under that is a half wreath of flowers and leaves.Nilbanner, souvenir -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Black and White, Turkish Kitchen Behind the Lines, 1918, 1918
Black and white image of a number of mobile kitchens with chimneys. They were used by the Turks during World War One.Verso: A Turkish photo of their kitchen somewhere behind the lines. Palestine 1918.world war one, turks, turkish, kitchen, palestine, egypt, mmm -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Trench art, 1941 in Egypt
Souvenir of WW2Circular brass dishEgypt 1941 Rising Sun badge in the middle. -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Postcard, 1917
From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with black and white design featuring a pyramid and the sphinx.Front: "Greetings from Egypt"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, egypt, pyramid, sphinx, greetings -
RSL Victoria - Anzac House Reference Library and Memorabilia Collection
Letters of Edward John Howells, Edward John Howells et al, 1915 to 1923
Personal letters (approx. 150) of Edward Howells sent to his wife during WW1 from Turkey, Egypt, France and England. Letters (in German) received from Lydia Imberger in Jaffa. Official correspondence from HQ. Picture postcards (approx. 130) of the above locations. Collection includes notebooks and some personal photographs. WW1 collection of personal and official letters, postcards, and notebooks, belonging to Captain Edward John Howells (23rd Battalion, B Company/1st Field Squadron). photographs, ww1, letters, edward john howells, 23 battalion, lydia imberger -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - ACC LOCK COLLECTION: B&W PHOTO OF CITY BUILDINGS, POSTCARD, 1914-1918
Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of some city buildings. Judging by some domes on buildings it is probably somewhere in Egypt (Heliopolis?) Refer to postcard 1401.144postcard, postcard, ww1, egypt -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - ACC LOCK COLLECTION: B&W PHOTO OF A TOWN, POSTCARD, 1914-1918
Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of some buildings in a town. Open bare ground in the foreground. A dome and 2 minarets indicate the town is in Egypt somewhwere.postcard, postcard, ww1, egypt -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir Tablecloth, 1915 (estimated)
Gold coloured silk tablecloth with green braid edging and mauve silk fringing. It is heavily embroidered with various flags, crowns and flowers relating to the Gallipoli campaign. Possibly made in Eygpt. The flags featured are Australia, France, United Kingdom, Egypt, Japan, Italy, Belgium and Russia. Some fraying along folds. The RAN Bridging Train (RANBT) was a naval reserves unit trained to provided engineering support such as assembling pontoons, temporary jetties and unloading stores. The 1st RANBT supported the British landing at Suvla Bay (north of ANZAC Cove) on the 7th of August 1915.In the centre of the tablecloth, embroidered in blue silk thread, are the following words "Suvla Bay 1915 6th October 1st RANBT" (Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train)gallipoli, trench, art, souvenir, embroidered, silk, flags, tablecloth, campaign, cloth -
Australian Institute of Archaeology
Mummified Cat, Charlie, Pre Ptolemaic - before 330BC
Neutron scans from ANSTO reveal that only portion of the animal, probably a cat, was wrapped in the mummy. Preliminary reports of C14 dating indicates that it dates from about 600BCE. It was discovered in the 1850s in Egypt. Many animals in ancient Egypt were deemed to represent a specific deity. Egyptologists have suggested that in the first millennium B.C. an act of popular piety was to place a mummified animal as a votive offering in a catacomb established at a cult center of that deity. Such an act may be expected to afford protection and bring good fortune. More recently, a close connection between the veneration of sacred animals and the worship of the king has been proposed, with the suggestion that these offerings were obligatory for religious officials and soldiers connected with certain royal cults. Interment of sacred animals was quite common in the Ptolemaic period (304-30 BCE) and continued well into the first half of the Roman period, or the second century CE. Cat cemeteries have been found throughout Egypt, and it is probably the Goddess, Bastet's association with her divine sisters in the wild, the malevolent Sakhmet and other lion-headed goddesses, that accounts for the presence of very large cat catacombs at Saqqara, Thebes, and Beni Hasan, where these leonine deities were particularly revered. There were several ways in which the cats were prepared for deposition; in the simplest cases the bodies were mummified and wrapped in linen strips, which were sometimes dyed different brown tones and woven to form geometric patterns. Usually the limbs were positioned close to the body, making a compact bundle but some mummies held lifelike poses. Egyptians considered certain individual animals to be living manifestations of a god, such as, the Apis bull. Individuals were mummified when they died and buried for eternal life, then replaced by another single living manifestation. Research on animal mummies shows that the majority of mummies found at the large animal cemetery sites are pre-adults who were purposely killed for use, sometimes by breaking the neck. Some mummies are 'substitutes' containing only a few bones or feathers or possibly sticks or sand. Mummified cat remains.