IFAO

Used since the predynastic period (around 3000 BC) for everyday objects, music instruments, funerary furniture, shipbuilding and architecture, wood is omnipresent in Egypt and particularly well preserved unlike other regions of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, the local species used in ancient times are still present in Egypt and continue to be employed by woodworkers in the present day. The study of wood craftsmanship in ancient Egypt opens a window onto a diverse landscape: the natural environment of the ancient Egyptians, the skills of their craftsmen, and the contacts between Egypt and its neighbors. Moreover, studying this craft is a unique way of connecting past and present by highlighting the possible permanence of certain artisanal practices and specific wood species. Documenting Egyptian trees and wood craftsmen is also a way to preserve this unique heritage.

Through the photographs of Patricia Mora Riudavets and the paintings of Mina Melad, the exhibition "Beyond the Tree" highlights the trees that have been used in Egypt since ancient times—such as acacia, tamarisk, jujube, and sycamore fig—and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. Some of these trees, over two centuries old, are deeply rooted in Egypt’s evolving and increasingly urbanized landscape. In the face of rapid urban expansion, where trees are often sacrificed, it is more important than ever to preserve and raise awareness of this invaluable natural and cultural heritage. These trees are not only silent witnesses to history but also a living legacy, passed down through generations by those dedicated to their protection. Whether providing shade, serving as raw material for everyday objects, or inspiring artistic expression, trees continue to shape Egypt’s identity. Beyond the Tree invites us to rediscover this essential connection between nature, craftsmanship, and culture.

As part of the exhibition, the Medjehu Project and Aswat (Cedej/IFAO) will organise a study day on 12 June, host at the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (Ifao)