Addressing Diversity: Inclusive Histories of Egyptology
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REVIEW BY ANNA GARNETT
Egyptology is constantly being redefined and reinterpreted to recognise more inclusive histories, helping to recentre traditional narratives. This fascinating volume brings together a range of international perspectives on these 'supporting characters' of Egyptology over the past two centuries.
Someone considered a 'giant' in their area of research may not be perceived as such by someone outside that area of study, and vice versa. These types of hierarchies are still prevalent today in Egyptology: the editors question who is accepted in today's Egyptological community, and who defines and polices that community, while acknowledging that, despite best efforts, this volume can barely scratch the surface of such a complex issue. They advocate that Egyptology should have fuzzy – not firm – borders: the subject should be inclusive of different specialists and disciplines. This approach will only serve to strengthen our understanding of ancient and modern Egypt, and 'the pool of individuals who should be regarded as parts of the history of Egyptology widens and deepens significantly'.
Several writers combine different specialisms to explore lesser-known characters in the global history of Egyptology, including those whose stories have either since been lost, or never recorded to begin with. The authors do not shy away from exploring more controversial histories, for example those linked with aspects of colonialism, imperialism, and racism, while acknowledging the strength of feeling and opinion with regards to these highly charged subjects. The range of papers feels truly international: readers will learn much about Egyptology in Brazil (by Thais Rocha da Silva) and the Soviet Union (Alexandre Loktionov), as well as other European countries. The focus on the stories of Egyptian scholars is also very welcome, including well-known individuals (Ahmed Fakhry) and those whose work is only now being fully recognised (such as the el-Kereti family, who worked on archaeological excavations with Czech teams at the site of Abusir for 60 years). A series of papers also addresses the lesser-known stories of female Egyptologists in the early to mid 20th century, including the Austrian-Jewish Egyptologist Herta Mohr, whose pioneering work during World War II was cut short when she was murdered in Auschwitz (covered in a paper written by Nicky van de Beek). There are several reasons why these stories remained comparatively unknown for so long, but it is a credit to the editors of the volume that so many of them are now able to be told.
Beautifully illustrated and comprehensively referenced, this important volume is sure to be of interest to all readers, and particularly those who wish to broaden their knowledge of some of the lesser-known characters in our diverse subject.
ADDRESSING DIVERSITY: INCLUSIVE HISTORIES OF EGYPTOLOGY ed. Hana Navratilova et al. ZAPHON, 2023 ISBN 978-3-96327-144-1 HARDBACK, £135
-- Sent from my Linux system.
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