The Society is 20 years old in 2007, and we held a Heb Sed Festival in Celebration.

Entitled "Nile Reflections", it was a special evening where members shared their experiences in Egypt, telling us about their favourite places and Egyptian influences.  For example, Victor Blunden gave us a guided tour of Nefertari's tomb (one of his favourites), and Judith Corbelli told us about the splendid diamond jewellry in the Royal Jewellry Museum in Alexandria.  During the evening we held a book auction where members could bid for donated books.  It was a very special and enjoyable evening for all members and friends. 

Some members dressed as they would in Egypt or in Egyptian costume and we share photos of just three of them.  All the Committee were too busy to take photographs so the photo gallery is a bit limited!  Left to right: Audrey Carter, Peter Phillips (Bob lurking in the background) and Sandra Whittleston.

The Heb Sed Festival had it roots in the Old Kingdom in Ancient Egypt. It was a celebration of the Pharaoh's right to rule and his royal powers were renewed. As with many propaganda techniques the Pharaoh is depicted as a fit and able person who can demonstrate his physical and mental prowess to lead his people. The festival itself was associated with deities such as Wepawet and Ma’at.

Usually the festival celebrated the Pharaoh’s thirty year of rule, but there is some evidence that some Pharaohs, particularly those who had short reigns celebrated earlier. It is a little bit like the U.K. monarch’s Jubilee celebrations. The idea of the festivals continued and evidence is throughout all Pharaonic history.

MAES’s Heb Sed Festival will celebrate 20 years, not 30, but will be along the lines of consolidating friendships, sharing Egyptology experiences and setting the scene for the continuation of the Society for another 30 or more years.

It will also celebrate the hard work and commitment of all those who have made MAES a huge success over the years. Please come along and join us, who knows you could be part of the future of MAES for years to come.

Get your Heb Sed mug before they are all gone.

Final few remaining... £5.50 available at the next meeting.  If you can't get to the next meeting, email the link below for details on delivery, there will be an extra cost for postage and packing.

email us at info @ maes.org.uk