Before golden retrievers were “man’s best friend,” the ancient Egyptians had canine protectors of their own.
The significance and history of the ancient Egyptian jackal gods is the topic of Terry Wilfong’s new exhibit at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, titled “Death Dogs: The Jackal Gods of Ancient Egypt.” The exhibit will run until May 3.
Wilfong is professor of Egyptology in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, curator of Graeco-Roman Egypt in the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and director of the Steering Committee of the Museum Studies Program.
“Death dogs” may sound frightening but, in fact, these figures played helpful, friendly roles in ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and afterlife.
The chief jackal god, Anubis, although associated with death, was actually seen by the Egyptians “as a protective and helpful god, rather than a scary god,” Wilfong says.
Wilfong has had a passion for both museum work and ancient Egyptian culture since childhood. After volunteering in his local art museum at age 12, he started thinking that he would like to work in a museum as a career, he says.
“Much of my research focuses on seeing ancient Egyptians as people. It can be hard for us to connect to the ancient Egyptians, but each of the objects in the exhibit, from the gravestones to the papyrus, has a person or people behind it. You can look into people’s lives; it is really just fascinating. “
From families to scholars to student groups, hundreds of visitors have already viewed Wilfong’s exhibit. Wilfong has focused on making his exhibits appealing to a wide age range, so that even young children can be entertained and learn something from the ancient Egyptians.
“It’s very satisfying to present the material in a way that makes it accessible to people. I enjoy the theatrical aspects of it, the staging of the material,” Wilfong says.
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Wilfong’s research is part of U-M’s long tradition of studying Egypt in the Greek and Roman periods, a legacy that began with the museum’s founder, Francis Kelsey.
“The work that I do is, in part, a continuation of what Kelsey began, an examination of daily life in the Graeco-Roman world. Kelsey wanted to use these materials for both research and teaching, and both are a strong part of the Michigan tradition.”
Beyond the Kelsey Museum, Wilfong has maintained his interest in art museums. As an enthusiast of contemporary art, Wilfong enjoys visiting the diverse collections in the U-M Museum of Art and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
“It fascinates me, the creativity and the ideas. There’s something about contemporary art that I respond to. It is really refreshing and fascinating to see the myriad manifestations of contemporary art.”
Q&A
What moment in the classroom stands out as the most memorable?
The first time a student asked a question that I couldn’t answer.
What can’t you live without?
My iPod.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The Hall of Evolution in the Museum of Natural History.
What inspires you?
Music.
What are you currently reading?
“Satin Island,” a novel by Tom McCarthy.
Who had the biggest influence on your career path?
My friend Greg Madden, who has always encouraged me.
