Egyptology Collections “Edda Bresciani” in Pisa
A collection of artefacts coming from various expeditions in Egypt and Sudan
The Egyptology collections at the University of Pisa are a vast treasure chest of wealth. The museum was founded thanks to the collections of some scholars and donations by famous figures who stood out for their research in archeology and ethnography.
The Schiff Giorgini collection is tied to Michela Schiff Giorgini, who wasn’t an archeologist by profession but passionate enough about the subject that she went on excavations in Sudan, earning an honorary degree. Her methodical explorations brought to Pisa nearly 400 pieces coming from the Temple of Amenhotep III and a few necropolises; these include statues, utensils, jewellery and ivories.
The Picozzi collection comes from the expedition in Egypt and Nubia sponsored by Leopold II in the 1800s. This group of artefacts includes the interesting so-called “roselliniani” mementoes, like some pages that illustrate the history and monuments of Egypt. The collection formed following a donation by Monica Benvenuti is also worth mentioning, which added to the collection bronze tools belonging to some sovereigns.
Pieces of ostraca from Oxyrhynchus are undoubtedly interesting, terracotta fragments with engravings that recount commercial trades made between Oxyrhynchus and the Bahariya Oasis.
Rounding out the dense collection of this small, but important, museum are pieces that include steles from the Ptolemaic era, small bronze statues and utensils such as cups, jewellery and amulets. The Breccia archive is just as important, which brings together writings by the esteemed archeologist, constituting a detailed narration of important discoveries in the Nile Valley.
