SCRIBE : The Magazine of The American Research Center in Egypt : SPRING 2022 | ISSUE9
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Updates on excavation, conservation, and research projects developing across Egypt
Dr. Louise Bertini
Executive Director
Celebrating the
Centennial
A fter two years of adapting and adjusting, we are thrilled
to resume hosting our most important programmatic
event of the year, the ARCE Annual Meeting in-person.
Warmest welcome to our members and attendees who
are joining us in California, as well as those continuing to tune in
from across the globe for our virtual component. I’d like to thank
our Annual Meeting sponsors:* Keynote Presentation Sponsor
National Geographic, President’s Reception Sponsor Getty
Conservation Institute, and our official Airline Sponsor EgyptAir.
Thank you as well as to our keynote speaker, George Herbert, 8th
Earl of Carnarvon, for helping us to mark this special centennial
year celebrating the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. In
addition to our regular programs and fieldwork, ARCE has been
rolling out a suite of Tutankhamun-themed content to celebrate
the 100-year anniversary, from lectures to a member tour.
SCRIBE : The Magazine of The American Research Center in Egypt : Fall 2022 | ISSUE 10
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The Celebrations
Continue!
E
veryone interested in ancient Egypt knows of the events
being celebrated this year in Egypt and throughout the
world of Egyptology. It is of course the centennial of
Howard Carter’s amazing discovery of KV62, the tomb
of Tutankhamun, and also the bicentennial of Jean-François
Champollion’s demonstration that ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs
could once again be read and understood. ARCE has thus continued
rolling out its suite of events, bringing the celebrations to fruition!
Programs
In April, ARCE held its 73rd Annual Meeting in Irvine, California
where we celebrated these momentous events with our keynote
speaker, the current and 8th Earl of Carnarvon, Lord George
Herbert. To further mark the centennial, we kicked-off our national
chapter lecture tour in June with Dr. Marc Gabolde, who shared the
fascinating story of the fate of several missing artifacts ‘diverted’
away from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The Virtual Annual Meeting also connected researchers and
members from around the world, to participate and share their
own research findings. Both virtual and in-person lectures were
recorded and are all now online, helping more members experience
the lectures at their own convenience. A sincere thank you to all
the ARCE staff and members who helped make both the virtual and
in-person Annual Meeting such a well-organized and successful event.
We also have a number of exciting events coming up including
the continuation of the Tutankhamun Centennial Chapter Lecture
Tour with Dr. Betsy Bryan, who will be travelling to Chicago, Kansas
City, North Texas, and Atlanta chapters between September 26th
and October 3rd. The special event Transcending Eternity: The
Centennial Tutankhamun Conference carried out in partnership
with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities will take
place in Luxor from November 4th-6th, 2022, and we are honored
to continue our partnership with National Geographic through our
collaboration with their Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience
project in providing content and partnership programming. See
their advertisement in this issue for a discount code to visit the
exhibition and stay tuned to ARCE.org for more information!
Fieldwork
In Luxor, the renovations of Howard Carter’s house continue thanks
to the generous donation by long-time ARCE board member Adina
Savin. In this issue of Scribe, ARCE’s Sally El Sabbahy and Nicholas
Warner review the fascinating history behind the construction of
Carter’s house and its use in the years following the discovery of
KV62. In the next issue coming out in early 2023, the team will
review the outcome of the conservation efforts and report on the
grand re-opening of the house scheduled for November of this
year, on the actual centennial of Carter opening the tomb on the
4th of November, 1922.
Media Tour
In June, ARCE hosted a special media tour to highlight ARCE
Antiquities Endowment Fund (AEF) projects, Research Supporting
Member projects, and past USAID-funded projects in Cairo. The
tour included a visit to the Great Pyramid to see the results of the
Ancient Egypt Research Associate’s (AERA) AEF-funded project
to record and better-protect Khufu’s Mortuary Temple. The most
visible change is the installation of a new access walkway encircling
the remains of the temple’s formidable black basalt pavement,
which should provide a more secure and less damaging path from
which to see the surviving monumental remains. The tour also
visited the Fatimid-era Bab Zuwayla gate, one of three surviving
entrances that controlled access to the fortified medieval city of
Old Cairo, where from 1998-2003, ARCE spearheaded an intense
conservation project, with support from USAID and under the
supervision of Nairy Hampikian, to remove, restore, and re-install
the Bab Zuwayla’s sizable wood and iron doors. The final site visited
was the Church of the blessed Virgin Mary, Saint George, and Abu
Sefein to see some of the many Coptic icons that that were restored
thanks to conservation efforts led by ARCE between 1998-2004.
It is so important to revisit these successful projects in
conjunction with the media and our colleagues from the Ministry
of Tourism and Antiquities. They show just how great an impact
the USAID grants, member donations, and endowments funds
have ‘in the field’.
SCRIBE : The Magazine of The American Research Center in Egypt : SPRING 2023 | ISSUE11
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Updates on developments taking place in the United States and Egypt
Building a New
Foundation for Our
Future, 2023-2028
I n November of last year, the ARCE executive team presented an exclusive,
members-only virtual town hall webinar that set out ARCE’s new vision for the
future. Board of Governors President Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director Dr.
Louise Bertini, and US Director Liska Radachi presented ARCE's new strategic
plan, developed after many months of consultation with staff, chapter leaders, focus
groups, and nearly five hundred members and associates.
SCRIBE : The Magazine of The American Research Center in Egypt : Fall 2023 | ISSUE12
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Updates on excavation, conservation, and research projects developing across Egypt
Dr. Louise Bertini
Executive Director
ARCE in action on
our 75th year
W elcome to the new issue of Scribe magazine! We
hope you had a great summer and are now ready
to hear the latest interesting news about ARCE’s
ongoing work in Egypt and about our plans for
the final months of our 75th anniversary.
Over the last six months, ARCE staff, officers, members, and
our partners have been organizing and hosting events, developing
our library and online resources, and working with excavators,
academics, conservation experts, officials, and heritage management
teams from Egypt and around the world.
In May, we hosted our 74th Annual Meeting in the Minneapolis
Marriot City Center hotel and conference venue, followed the
weekend after by the virtual online conference. Both events were
very successful. In addition to a slate of outstanding presentations,
attendees were treated to special panel sessions and an exclusive
museum workshop entitled ‘Engaging Egypt and Africa in Museum
Settings’. The keynote address was a joint presentation by Dr.
Betsy Bryan and Dr. Fayza Haikal, who recounted deeply personal
stories in their talk entitled “Women in Egyptology: Long Career
Reflections”. This was delivered at the magnificent Minneapolis
Institute of Art and surely left a lasting impression on all who were
in attendance. Next year, the 75th annual in-person meeting will
take place in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, from April 19th to 21st at the
Omni William Penn hotel.
In Egypt, ARCE hosted the Cultural Property Protection
conference with delegates attending from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq,
Yemen, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and Palestine. This was
made possible thanks to generous funding from the U.S. Embassy in
Cairo, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
(MoTA), the Council of American Overseas Research Centers
(CAORC), and the US Department of State. The conference focused
on “Sustainable Documentation and Inventories Management” and
ended on a promising note where recommendations were drafted
based on more than thirty presentations by regional experts. Rec-
ommendations included the formation of an “Arab World Heritage”
network, increasing collaboration through regional joint projects,
and the development of regional training initiatives.
Figured Ostraca from New Kingdom Egypt: Iconography and Intent
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The aim of the study is to examine a particular set of images found only on ostraca from New Kingdom Egypt. These scenes show women, often with a child, sitting on a bed in a domestic environment; alternatively, they depict women with a child in a kiosk, in an outdoor setting. The purpose of this research is to examine why these images were drawn and to explore what these representations meant to their creators and viewers. The functionality of the ostraca will also be analysed, considering if they were objects in their own right or merely practice pieces for larger scale compositions.
The Hypocephalus: An Ancient Egyptian Funerary Amulet
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The hypocephalus is still a topic seldom investigated in Egyptology. Between 1961 and 1998, Edith Varga studied the antecedents of the object type, discussing all practices aimed at the protection of the head up to the 4th century BC from all over Egypt.1 Through her ongoing commitment to the subject, hypocephali were ‘rediscovered’ for Egyptology. She identified no fewer than two-thirds of the examples presently known, and published these in several articles.2 The analysis and typology of these amuletic objects at the time when they appeared in the 4th century BC remained for a further research project. In my work, I aimed at continuing the research of Edith Varga, and at presenting the catalogue of hypocephali to the public.
Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern palaces. $n Volume II : Proceedings of a workshop held at the 10th ICAANE in Vienna, 25 -26 April 2016
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The study of the semiotics of palaces in the Ancient Near East and Ancient Egypt provides the historian with diverse information as size and type of architecture demonstrate the kind of representation chosen by rulers towards their world. Some features were adopted from temples in order to stage the appearance of the ruler like a divine epiphany. Some further integrate a temple within the palace, showcasing the desire of the ruler to live with a specific deity under one roof for divine support and protection. The importance of this ruler can also be reflected by the size of the throne room and the number of columns, showing as well a hierarchy in the use of space within the whole building complex and its different units. For instance, the presence of a rather intimate throne room or a second small throne room points to space for confidential exchange between the ruler and his visitors. The capacity of storerooms additionally gives us insight into the economic power standing behind the palace. The comparison of different elements between palatial and domestic architecture also proves helpful in identifying the origins of particular components.0Exploration of such semiotics was initiated with the publication of the first palace volume in 2018 (Verlag der ÖAW, Vienna) following a conference held in London 2013. The present volume stands in direct continuation and is the result of a second palace conference that took place at the 10th ICAANE 2016 in Vienna. Besides introducing other palaces in Egypt and Nubia, this volume is dedicated primarily to Near Eastern palaces which are presented and studied by prominent experts in this field
On the origins of the cartouche and encircling symbolism in Old Kingdom pyramids
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This study suggests the development of the cartouche was closely related to the monumental encircling symbolism incorporated into the architectural designs of the Old Kingdom pyramids. By employing a new architectural style and a new iconographic symbol, the pharaoh sought to elevate his status above that of the members of his powerful court.
Exalted Spirits: The Veneration of the Dead in Egypt through the Ages
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The exhibition was opened on the 9th of November, 2021 at The Egyptian Museum in Cairo and was followed by a three-day conference from the 10th to the 12th of November, 2021. This three-day conference, in partnership with The American University in Cairo (AUC) and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA), covered the veneration of deceased figures in Egypt from the Pharaonic period up to current times, using the diverse evidence available in terms of texts, images, and lived traditions. The conference featured academic papers as well as panel discussions focusing on current practises related to the veneration of the dead and their origins, which may be traced back to ancient Egypt, and was aimed at both academic and non-academic participants. The former presented academic papers, while the latter (which included creatives from different fields) participated in panel discussions. Academic papers published in a peer-reviewed journal
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 208 - SUMMER 2016
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Wall Paintings in the Late Roman City of Trimithis (Ambeida), Dakhla Oasis: A Tantalizing Preliminary Survey -- Ancient Column inscriptions and New Technologies: the 2Ol4-2015 Field Season of the Karnak Great Hypostyle Hall Project -- The Mit Rahina Field School, 2014 -- The Osiris Temple at Abydos -- Architectural Conservation of the White Monastery Church (Dary Anba Shinuda), Sohag -- Conserving the Amarna Coffins -- the Archaeology of Urbanism in Ancient Egypt -- Egyptian Coffin Conservation Project -- Enemies of the Stale: The Old Kingdom Prisoner Statues and Three-dimensional Representations of foreigners -- Documenting and Watching Shadow Ploys in Coiro: Text and Performance.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 205 - WINTER 2015
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The Visionaries Bring ARCE's Work to a Wider Audience -- Continuity and Change in on Ancient LondscoPe: the Brown University Abydos Proiect -- What Remains of the Workmen? Conserving the Human Remains at Deir el-Medina -- Conservation of the Vestibule in the Tomb of Karakhamum -- The oriental institute Nubian Expedition Proiect Publishing Medieval Serra East & Napatan Dorginarti -- Making Heritage Accessible: ARCE Creates Guides to Monuments in Historic Cairo -- Annual Report -- Annual Meeting.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 206 - SUMMER 2015
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ARCE Team Uncovers Two Unknown Tombs -- "All Hands on Deck!" Architectural Conservation in Presentation at the Red Monastery Church 2011-2014 -- 2014 Season of the South Abydos Moslobos Proiect -- long-term Preservation of the Collection at the Egyptian Museum-Pilot Project on Environmental Monitoring -- theoria and the Visual Environment of the Red Monastery -- The Epigraphic Survey-Chicago House. Luxor Documenting the Monuments of Ancient Thebes.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 195 - (Summer 2009)
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Conservation of the Mosque of Aslam al-Silagdar in Cairo -- Amheida: the Site Management Project of 2008-2009 A Late Antique Funerary Chapel at the White Monastery (Datr Anba Shenouda), Sohag -- The Egyptian Museum Register Scanning Project, Part ||: the Special Registers -- An Investigation into the Sacred Kistirict as Depicted in New Kingdom Private Tombs -- Calvin W. Schwabe: Remembering a Veterinarian's Approach to Ancient Egypt -- ARCE's 60th Annual Meeting -- Big Change in ARCE Governave Practices Fellows 208-2009 -- Around ARCE -- Annual Report.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 196 - (Spring 2010)
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Antiquities Endowment Fund (AEF): Working to Preserve Egypt's Padt and Support ARCE Activities -- Why Building ARCE's Operating Endowment is the Best Way to Help -- Spotlight on an ARCE Research Supporting Member: Yale University -- 2010 Conference on Human Remains in Ancient Egypt -- Beds in New Kingdom Egyptian Art Writing Family History From the Ottoman Archives -- Around ARCE -- New Book Chronicle Decade of Conservation Work in Egypt -- A Visit to Greece -- the Eighth Annual ARCE Thanksgiving Came Trek: Poetic Scenery and Ponderous Beasts.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 199 - (Fall 2011)
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The Monastery of St Matthew the Potter al-Dayr al-Qadis al-Anba Mata'us al-Fakhuri, Esna -- the Wall Paintings From the Temple of Amenhotep ||| at Wadi es-Sebua: Conservation, Preservation, and Documentation -- "Restoring and Conserving a Tympmum from the North Chapel of the Senwosret ||| Pyramid Complex at Dahshur" -- Crumbling Challenge and Presentation Puzzle: the Karanis Site Management Project -- Egypt and the Block Sea Slave Trade During the Thirteenth Century -- An Introduction to the Palace in Ancient Egypt -- Director General of Upper Egypt and the Oases Presents Lectures -- ARCE Group Enjoys the Beauty and History of Cyprus -- Endowment Donors as of 7/21/2011 -- Annual Report.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 189 - (Spring 2006)
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American Contributions to Egyptian Archaeology by Gerry Scott -- Quseir Fort Visitors Center Opens -- The Last History of Quseir Fort by Charles Le Quesne -- ARCE Training For SCA Inspectors Inspectors in the Islamic and Coptic Sector by Nairy Hampikian and May al Ibrashy -- Conservation and Reconstruction of the Tomb of Nespakashuty by Elena Pischikova -- Djedhor Was Here: Ancient Graffiti in the Valley of the Kings by Steve Visson -- Illuminated in Lightland: the Archaeoastronomical Original of the Seat of the First Appearance in the Egyptian Solar Cult Religion by Patricia Blackwell Gary and Richard Talcott -- Bags, Boxes, and Buckets: A Warehouse Treasury by Stephanie Boucher -- Jordan Trip a Success by Mary Sadek -- Fellowships -- Losses -- ARCE Staff News -- Chapter News -- Donor Recognition.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, NUMBER 210 - (Summer 2017)
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Greetings From the New Executive Director -- TT 110 Epigraphy and Research Field School: Training and Protecting the Archaeology of Wadi el-Hudi, Eastern Desert Twenty-second and Twenty-fifth Dynasty Mummies From Thebes: X-Ray and CT-Scan Examination Project -- the Art and Culture of Ancient Egypt: Studies in Honor of Dorothea Arnold -- Another View from the Edge: The Frontier of Aswan in the Early Islamic World - In Search of Semna: Studying the Egyptian Kitchen -- The Complex of Qalawun: From Cassas to Creswell -- ARCE Conference -- ARCE News -- ARCE Celebrates in Washington DC -- ARCE Luxor Field School Graduation 2017 -- ARCE Iftar Celebration 2017.
bulletin of the American Research Center in Egypt, Nurnber 180 - Surnmer 2001
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Repairs Ancient and Modern in the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak / Peter J.Brand -- Center Update -- The Small Temple of Amun at Medinet Habu / W. Raymond Johnson -- The Small Temple of Amun at Medinet Habu / W. Raymond johnson -- Member Expeditions : Combined Prehistoric Expedition Romuald Schild and Fred Wendorf -- Traced by Iicense: A. thirteenth-century Epistyle in the Church of the Holy Virgin, Harat Zuwayla, Coiro Zuzana Skalava -- Continuity and Innovation in Islamic Coinage / Jere L. Bacharach -- Borrowing or Stealing? The Use of Spofbin the Mosque Complex of Sultan al-Mu'ayyasd Sheikh Koren Rose Mathews -- Antoine Selim Nahas and the Face of Modern Cairo Ola Seif and Seif ElRashidi (with (Charles Diable) -- Exhibilions.
SCRIBE : The Magazine of The American Research Center in Egypt : FALL 2020 | ISSUE 6
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Ancient Spaces and Lives -- Key Places in this Issue -- ARCE’s Digital Leap -- Weni Rediscovered (An International Team Comes Together to Offer a Fresh Look at an Ancient Life) -- Egypt Updates -- U.S. Updates -- Antiquities Endowment Fund -- Institutional Members -- Brooke Elizabeth Norton and Margaret Taylor Dean -- Donor Support -- Did You Know? Before There Was Scribe.