Fascinated by ancient civilisations?
We offer anyone with any level of knowledge, inspiring short courses on ancient Egypt and other areas of the ancient world.
Fascinated by ancient civilisations?
We offer anyone with any level of knowledge, inspiring short courses on ancient Egypt and other areas of the ancient world.
We are excited to offer a very special study day this year! In addition to the programme details below), for a limited number of participants, you will have the chance on the Friday afternoon, 13 November, to meet and speak with Dr Christina Geisen and Dr Kelly Accetta Crowe, two curators in the British Museum. This is for in-person particants only. Whilst places are limited for this exclusive visit, these are open to anyone (booking a place on the study day is recommended but not required). For further details, contact Kathryn at kathryn@bssac.uk.
Speakers: Dr Christina Geisen (British Museum) and Dr Kelly Accetta Crowe (British Museum)
This study day will be held in person and live-streamed online via Zoom from 10:30 - 18:00 in Seminar Room 612 at the UCL Institute of Archaeology, 31 - 34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY UK.
We are thrilled to invite not one, but two, curators from the British Museum to lead this very special study day! Archaeological and textual evidence from ancient Egypt – its monumental architecture, landscapes, and everyday and funerary objects – has been subject to various modes of interpretation since the earliest days of Egyptology. Join Dr Christina Geisen and Dr Kelly Accetta Crowe as they present fresh materiality-focused approaches to two case studies. Firstly, they will examine papyri relating to the underworld and highlight the essential role of scientific analysis in illuminating scribal and workshop practices. Secondly, they will explore how the materiality of a Horus stela enhanced its protective power against dangers associated with the natural world. Close examination of material qualities such as colour, form, dimensions, plasticity, malleability, resistance, and production techniques reveals new understandings of function and meaning, as well as deeper insight into how ancient Egyptians understood and interacted with their natural environment. The speakers will also highlight how advanced digital methods aid their research.
1. Materiality of Things: How the physical qualities of Egyptian artefacts shaped their purpose (Accetta Crowe)
2. The Amduat-Papyri: Unfolding afterlife visions and workshop practices (Geisen)
3. The Power of Magic: Objects, spells, and everyday protection in ancient Egypt (Accetta Crowe)
4. Horus Stelae: Objects of protection in the face of natural threats (Geisen)
In addition to hearing four fascinating lectures, you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, and to socialise with the speakers over morning and afternoon refreshments.
Boivin, N. (2008) Material Cultures, Material Minds: The impact of things on human thought, society, and evolution. Cambridge University Press.
Pinch, L. (1994) Magic in Ancient Egypt. British Museum Press.
Wilkinson, R. H. (1994) Symbol and Magic in Egyptian Art. Thames and Hudson.