CHILDREN enjoyed finding out about artefacts crafted in ancient times at an event held over the weekend.

As part of a summer-long exhibition of everyday life and work in ancient Egypt, Durham's Old Fulling Museum of Archaeology staged the hands-on day on Saturday.

The workshop took place under the expert gaze of Edith Nicholson, educations officer at Durham University's Oriental Museum.

All the themes of the exhibition were explored, including the daily grind for the ancient Egyptians, the life of their women and priests, the after-life and the methods of agriculture.

Objects on loan from the reserve collection of the Oriental Museum feature in the Old Fulling Mill display, including the mask of a mummy, a mummified hawk, jewellery and models showing people at work.

Several activities based on the exhibits were staged at the children's workshop on Saturday.

Young visitors were given the chance to handle ancient objects and to learn more about Egyptian gods.

Following the workshop, former Oriental Museum curator John Ruffle delivered a lecture about the craftsmen of the time.

The exhibition, entitled the Ancient Egyptians, runs until Wednesday, August 25, at the Old Fulling Mill, which is on the riverbank footpath on the cathedral and castle peninsula in Durham.

Further details are available by ringing the museum, on 0191-334 1823.

Published: 12/07/2004