Studies in Egyptian Archaeology and Science

Did the Ancient Egyptians Ride Donkeys? A Review of Textual and Iconographical Evidence

2024-10-01T12:13:31+02:00

Donkey riding is even less represented and mentioned in Ancient Egypt than horse riding. The rare examples give the impression that this practice—now quite widespread in modern Egypt—was despised and seen as typical of foreigners and weak people. Consequently, it is often asserted that healthy Egyptians would not ride donkeys and that those rare images showing them in this situation are not to be considered as realistic. But does this not lead to a downward cycle? Why not consider these few occurrences showing fit Egyptians on donkeys as evidence of such a practice? After reviewing the Pharaonic documents evoking donkey riding, the author leads a reflection on the reasons why this practice is so little represented.

Donkeys, Genies, and Demons: Fantastical Creatures in Ancient Egyptian Ritual Texts and Funerary Assemblages

2024-10-01T12:19:59+02:00

The donkey was depicted in Egyptian tomb scenes since the Old Kingdom. By the end of the Old Kingdom, the donkey represented an ambivalent creature that could either assist the nightly journey of Re or be a malevolent force supporting Seth or Apophis. Depictions of donkeys and hybrid donkey creatures survive from the Third Intermediate Period onward in papyri and they appear as guardians on temple walls during the Greco-Roman period. The spearing or harpooning of donkeys, along with hippopotami, turtles and pigs, continued as a magical and ritual theme after the Late Period with some survival into the early Roman era.

Donkeys in Modern Excavations: Two Case-Studies at Amarna

2024-10-13T09:51:05+02:00

Focusing on two examples at Amarna, this article explores the donkey’s utility in modern excavations. The
domestic donkey (Equus asinus), originating from the African wild ass (Equus africanus) c. 6000 years ago, has
a long history in Egypt since the Ist Dynasty (c. 3000 bce) and possibly even earlier in the Predynastic period.
Due to its robustness in arid regions, its ability to carry heavy loads, and its cognitive capabilities, the donkey
played a crucial role in the development of ancient pastoral societies and remains valuable today. Primarily
employed as a beast of burden for various tasks in ancient Egypt, the involvement of donkeys on excavation
sites first moderates damage from motorized vehicles and then allows accessibility. Employing donkeys not
only reduces environmental impact but also affects people’s psyche and enhances community engagement.
Eventually, the use of donkeys aligns with the principles of green archaeology, contributing to carbon-free
practices on a small scale.

Hoofprints of History: Equids and Dromedaries as Ancient Egyptian Working Animals at the First Nile Cataract

2024-11-13T11:07:52+01:00

This study investigates the role of equids and dromedaries as working animals in the region of the first Nile
cataract from the beginning of the Pharaonic Kingdom until today. Analysis of faunal remains from Elephantine Island and Aswan reveals insights into considerations of the ancient inhabitants of the settlements for the
choice of beasts and the stabling of their working animals. Size comparisons highlight differences between
horses, mules, and donkeys, while butchery marks indicate processing for consumption and utilization of skin
and hair of both equines and dromedaries. Pathological changes in bones reflect the strains of work activities,
emphasizing the roles of these animals in ancient Egyptian society as key elements of trade and transportation.

Cultural Sustainability and Heritage Management

2024-10-05T13:14:43+02:00

he concept of cultural sustainability has been receiving increasing attention as an emerging pillar of sustainable development along with the social, economic, and environmental pillars. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (2015–2030), an international action plan addressing global issues recognizes that culture can
contribute to and is a crucial enabler of sustainable development. However, the concept of cultural sustainability has not been fully integrated into the Agenda due to the insufficient level of understanding among policymakers, development practitioners and stakeholders. To address this issue, this paper analyses its conceptual development through a case study on safeguarding the cultural sustainability of the Nubian heritage and culture in Egypt and how these efforts have been linked to sustainable development through UNESCO’s normative frameworks adopted in the 21st century such as the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

A Closer Look at a Polychromed Bronze Statue of Osiris from the Basement of the Egyptian Museum, Cairo

2024-10-16T13:19:23+02:00

A polychromed hollow-cast bronze statue, missing its head and feet, is the object of our study and intervention.
It is part of the large collection of bronze statues depicting the god Osiris in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Until
recently, it was stored in the basement, where it had been placed since it was recovered from excavations, the
trace of which has been lost. Until now, no work had been done on it. This article describes the interventions
that we carried out on it. The surface of the statue was investigated to get information about the metal, the
decorative materials, the corrosion, and the deposit accumulations on its surface. Various analyses were carried
out to help identify the type of patina and alterations caused by burial. Digital light microscope, X-ray radiography, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the components, providing a better understanding of the object’s deterioration and its interaction with its environment. The results of the non-invasive, non-destructive investigation methods, as well as the data from previous studies were used to create a
conservation action plan. Alongside the analyses and studies, mechanical cleaning was carried out, removing
the dirt and corrosion with the help of different tools such as micro-motors, scalpels, and ultrasonic pen. Hidden characteristics and remains of polychromy were uncovered. We also detected the remains of gold, Egyptian blue and lapis lazuli, materials used to decorate the statue. A final cleaning of the surface was carried out by using an “Nd:YAG” laser.

Photographic Survey Techniques for Epigraphic Work: The Experience of the TT110 ERFS Project

2024-11-20T10:14:52+01:00

Commencing in the autumn of 2017, the Theban Tomb 110 Epigraphy and Research Field School (ERFS) Project initiated a photographic survey component to shed new light on ancient inscriptions and broaden the
application of photographic surveys in educational contexts. Over three field seasons, this extensive program
has yielded a structured and pragmatic surveying methodology that exemplifies the seamless integration of
advanced surveying techniques in archaeological work, effectively merging conventional epigraphy with contemporary technology. Beyond its research contributions, the TT110 project provided invaluable training
opportunities for Egyptian archaeologists. It served as a tangible example of harmoniously merging classical
epigraphy with emerging technologies, highlighting the vast potential for documenting, conserving, and safeguarding Egypt’s historical heritage. This collaborative initiative underscores the paramount significance of
interdisciplinary knowledge exchange within the realm of Egyptology.