At Natuurmuseum Fryslân, visitors can immerse themselves in the mysterious world of animal mummies. When you think of mummies, you likely think of Ancient Egypt, but they can be found right here in our own backyard. Mummy Mysteries is a fascinating subject—engaging, accessible, and anything but complicated.
Egypt
While the mummies of pharaohs from Ancient Egypt are well-known, did you know that thousands of animal mummies were also created two millennia ago? Cats, ibises, and crocodiles were carefully embalmed and wrapped as sacred animals, pets, offerings to the gods, or food for the deceased. These mummies were intentionally created by humans to be preserved for eternity.
Fryslân
Animal mummies are also found in Fryslân. These often occurred "by accident" due to natural conditions. The museum's collection includes various mummified animals: rats, mice, and bats, as well as a calf, a hare, an otter, a beaver, and several stone martens.
Operation
This exciting exhibition features both the intentional mummies from Ancient Egypt and the accidental mummies from Fryslân. It also reveals the story behind the mummy crypt in Wiuwert and the discovery of five mummified cats in Sexbierum. Children can play the Operation game and try their hand at mummifying a snake.
Mummy Mysteries is part of the 'Onder Ons' project, an initiative of the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, and was made possible in part by the Vriendenloterij and the Municipality of Leeuwarden.
