In 2015, the Museo Egizio in Turin joined the Leiden expedition to Saqqara, in the area south of the Unas causeway. This report presents the expedition’s new approach as well as some first results... Show moreIn 2015, the Museo Egizio in Turin joined the Leiden expedition to Saqqara, in the area south of the Unas causeway. This report presents the expedition’s new approach as well as some first results of this new cooperation. In the 2018 season, the Leiden-Turin expedition worked in the northern sector of its concession, covering an area of ca. 250 sqm just north of the tomb of Maya. Here Late Antique layers overlie a windblown deposit containing some simple burials and numerous “embalmers’ caches”, some of which yielded marl clay cups with hieratic labels. An overview of both the pottery and the human remains found during this season is provided in the present report. Below the wind-blown deposit is a level with Ramesside funerary chapels and shafts. One of them has a remarkable decoration including six small-format figures carved in high relief in the middle of its back wall. The shaft of another chapel was also excavated, revealing several plundered chambers which yielded only scanty finds. A large mud-brick wall exposed during the previous season turned out to belong to the outer wall and pylon entrance of a monumental tomb, whose owner’s name has not been found yet.A photogrammetric survey by a team of the Politecnico di Milano yielded a 3D model of the dig (included in the web version of this report), as well as several 3D models of the monumental tombs (completed or in the making). During the season, conservation work was carried out on several tombs and on the newly discovered Ramesside chapel. Show less
It has been abundantly demonstrated that theories and paradigms in the humanities are influenced by historical, economic and socio-cultural conditions, which have profoundly influenced archaeology... Show moreIt has been abundantly demonstrated that theories and paradigms in the humanities are influenced by historical, economic and socio-cultural conditions, which have profoundly influenced archaeology’s representation of migration. This was mostly conceived as the study of the movement of large and homogeneous population groups, whose identity was often represented as ethnically characterized. The present-day shift of attention from collective to individual agency and the countless facets of migration goes hand in hand with new socio-political and cultural scenarios such as the extraordinary migratory flows into Europe, shifting boundaries, alternative forms of citizenship and identity, and the emergence of emotive reactionism. The third issue of Ex Novo gathers multidisciplinary contributions addressing mobility to understand patterns of change and continuity in past worlds; reconsider the movement of people, objects, and ideas alongside mobile epistemologies, such as intellectual, scholarly or educative traditions, rituals, practices, religions and theologies; and provide insights into the multifaceted relationship between mobile practices and their shared meanings and how they are represented socially and politically. Show less
Imprint of Action investigates the sociocultural impact of archaeology through public activities. These activities provide an ideal setting for research, as they represent a structured point of... Show moreImprint of Action investigates the sociocultural impact of archaeology through public activities. These activities provide an ideal setting for research, as they represent a structured point of encounter between the public and archaeological heritage; in analysing them, aspects of people’s connections to the past are revealed. As such this research forms an integral part of the NEARCH project (2013-2018). As a basis for analysis, survey data from three large-scale case studies – ‘DOMunder’ (Netherlands), ‘You(R ) Archaeology’ (Cross-Europe), and ‘Invisible Monuments’ (Greece) was used. The analysis and interpretation of the case studies is based on a newly created methodological framework which finds its roots in the broader culture and arts sector. Results shows that activities encourage participation and interaction, which engenders sociocultural impacts on participants, most notably in knowledge increase, skill development, social relations, and happiness. Imprint of Action is the first large-scale study focussing entirely on sociocultural impact in archaeology and, as such, is explorative in nature; it provides unique insights into the workings of interaction and participation in archaeological events, and openly shares qualitative and quantitative research data with the expanding field. Show less
There is little evidence of the routes connecting Amerindian communities in the Caribbean prior to and just after 1492. Uncovering possible canoe routes between these communities can help to... Show moreThere is little evidence of the routes connecting Amerindian communities in the Caribbean prior to and just after 1492. Uncovering possible canoe routes between these communities can help to explain the structure, capabilities, and limitations of the physical links in their social and material networks. This book evaluates how routes connecting islands indicate the structure of past inter-island networks, by using computer modeling. Computer modeling and least-cost pathway analysis is a popular approach for analyzing the physical connection between sites in archaeology. Over the past three decades researchers have explored several theories and methods to analyze least-cost pathways on landscapes. Land-based least-cost efforts have outpaced the number of works evaluating optimal travel routes across the sea’s surface. Perhaps as a result, no community standard for using computer- and GIS-based methods to model canoe or sailing routes exists. Although methods used in previous research often focus on determining the time-cost and success of specific routes, these measures have been calculated or judged in different ways. One way this book adds to the discussion of seascape modeling is by focusing on inter-island voyaging, or the process of maintained connections between island sites, a technique rarely explored in sea-based least-cost pathways analysis. Show less
Recent archaeological research at Palpa, in the northern Nasca region, has shed new light on the origin, development and meaning of the famed Nasca geoglyphs in the desert on the south coast of Peru.
An introductory paper on new research into cultural interactions between the ancient East and West as evident from the archaeology of the Gandhara region, with focus on Buddhist material culture... Show moreAn introductory paper on new research into cultural interactions between the ancient East and West as evident from the archaeology of the Gandhara region, with focus on Buddhist material culture and its development and spread. Part of a (popular-academic) booklet published for Leiden University's "Dies Natalis" on aspects of globalisation, including (ancient) migrations, linguistic and ethnic diversity, the spread of faiths, and trade routes. With contributions by various Leiden-based academics on new research projects and results. Show less
ABSTRACT In reflection upon the worthy work of Professor Shinya Konaka and his col- leagues, this contribution discusses the idea of “Localization of Humanitarian Assistance”. Several critical... Show moreABSTRACT In reflection upon the worthy work of Professor Shinya Konaka and his col- leagues, this contribution discusses the idea of “Localization of Humanitarian Assistance”. Several critical questions arise from a humanitarian situation where the needs are assessed: we have to know what people need and what they don’t need. We need to determine coping mech- anisms that need not substituted but rather facilitated. To not undermine and further marginal- ize we need to know what resources, skills and social capital East African pastoralists have and how they are activated, where and when. The discussion is organized in observations from on one hand, archaeological and heritage perspective and on the other, personal experience of refugees and IDP life in the East Africa. It concludes that people do not only need food and shelter to survive and that cultural heritage is a basic human need too. Without the traditional skills and coping mechanisms that are inherent in the cultural values that glue people together, it is difficult for East African pastoralists to survive. Violence and neglect against people and environment are related to the destruction and neglect of cultural and natural heritage, which are people’s means of livelihood and sources of identity and dignity. Show less
Leiden. Op een veld in Texas worden elke dag honderd lijken bestudeerd voor politieonderzoek en de wetenschap. Het klinkt als een macabere werkplek, maar de Leidse archeologe Hayley Mickleburgh ... Show moreLeiden. Op een veld in Texas worden elke dag honderd lijken bestudeerd voor politieonderzoek en de wetenschap. Het klinkt als een macabere werkplek, maar de Leidse archeologe Hayley Mickleburgh (31) mikt op een beurs om hier nog jaren onderzoek te verrichten. ‘Er is niks griezeligs aan.’ Show less
Reidsma, F.H.; Hoesel, A. van; Os, B.J.H. van; Megens, L.; Braadbaart, F. 2016
This article presents three hitherto unpublished objects in the collection of the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung in Berlin. The faience stela ÄM 19718 and the pyramid panels ÄM 1631–1632... Show moreThis article presents three hitherto unpublished objects in the collection of the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung in Berlin. The faience stela ÄM 19718 and the pyramid panels ÄM 1631–1632 derive from the Saqqara tomb of the early Nineteenth Dynasty Mayor of Memphis, Ptahmose. This paper also explores the way in which the objects came to Berlin and how the stela was subsequently lost – and found. A careful study of the objects provides new insights into the architectural development of monumental tombs at Saqqara, and revealssomething about the identity of the craftsman who was responsible for the tombs’ decoration. Show less
Roxburgh, M.A.; Heeren, S.; Huisman, H.; Os, B. van 2016
We present herea compositional study ofa large number of copper-alloy broochesusing Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (HHpXRF). The brooches, which come fromthe area of Nijmegen, date from... Show moreWe present herea compositional study ofa large number of copper-alloy broochesusing Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (HHpXRF). The brooches, which come fromthe area of Nijmegen, date from the Late IronAgeuntil the 2nd c.A.D. Our aim is to explore the ways in which artefact production was organized both in the context of Roman centresand in the countryside. Show less
My thesis provides a comparative analysis of early cilivilisations through archaeological sources. The two selected cases are Mycenaean Greece and the Late Preclassic lowland Maya. Specifically the... Show moreMy thesis provides a comparative analysis of early cilivilisations through archaeological sources. The two selected cases are Mycenaean Greece and the Late Preclassic lowland Maya. Specifically the study focuses on art and its role in social life of the two cases. Major methodological reflections are included. Show less
In onze moderne tijd wordt aan het goed functioneren van infrastructuur grote aandacht besteed. In het hier gepresenteerde onderzoek heb ik getracht aan te tonen dat ook in de Grieks-Romeinse... Show moreIn onze moderne tijd wordt aan het goed functioneren van infrastructuur grote aandacht besteed. In het hier gepresenteerde onderzoek heb ik getracht aan te tonen dat ook in de Grieks-Romeinse wereld de doorstroming als een cruciaal punt werd beschouwd. Niet alleen de infrastructuur zelf, ook datgene wat via de infrastructuur wordt getransporteerd moet aan hoge kwaliteitseisen voldoen om de (Grieks-Romeinse) stad leefbaar te houden. Evenals tegenwoordig werd ook in de Grieks-Romeinse wereld het functioneren van een stad of gebied soms vergeleken met een menselijk lichaam. In beide gevallen is sprake van voedsel- en drinkwatervoorziening, uitscheiding van afvalproducten en een interne infrastructuur die de producten naar en van hun plaats moet brengen en als zodanig de stad c.q. het lichaam in stand moet houden. Wanneer de infrastructuur echter niet meer kan functioneren __ te weinig capaciteit, een onderbreking of een verkeerde inhoud __ komt de doorstroming in gevaar en lopen lichaam en stad de kans ziek te worden met uiteindelijk de dood als gevolg. De infrastructuur m__t in bedrijf zijn en blijven. Stadsbesturen zagen in dat iedereen baat had bij een goed functionerende stad en troffen voorzieningen om de leefbaarheid van een stad te optimaliseren. Show less
This study is presented in the form of a ‘thesis by publication’ comprising published journal articles and conference proceedings. The articles are thematically linked to the New Kingdom... Show moreThis study is presented in the form of a ‘thesis by publication’ comprising published journal articles and conference proceedings. The articles are thematically linked to the New Kingdom necropolis at Saqqara and grouped in three interrelated sections. This thesis sets as its main aim the study of the tombs, tomb owners and the use of sacred space in the New Kingdom necropolis at Saqqara by examining, as a point of departure, the sources pertaining to the early exploration of the necropolis. In the first section, unpublished archival material pertaining to the early, mid-Nineteenth Century exploration of the necropolis is studied. This includes the photographs taken by Théodule Devéria at Saqqara in 1859 capturing monuments that are today “lost”. Investigations into the collection histories of the individual objects enable a reconstruction of the history of dismantling the tombs. The second section examines the inscriptional sources that offer biographical information about the early Nineteenth Dynasty tomb owners. The officials’ titles constitute the main data of research in this section. The rationale of the tombs’ spatial distribution is analysed by combining information pertaining to groups of officials covering a longer period of time and extending over the whole necropolis. The titles are also used to study aspects of the administration of the city, Memphis, and its temples. The final section examines the actual use of the necropolis and the tombs therein. Due to the activities of the early explorers, few archaeological traces pertaining to past activities have remained for us to study in situ. The figural and textual graffiti that were left on the tombs’ stone elements offer the main data for research. Show less
In Westerblokker even buiten Hoorn werd in 1475 een vrouwenklooster met de naam Bethlehem opgericht. De grote stichtingsgolf van kloosters, die eind 14de eeuw begon, was al enige tijd over zijn... Show moreIn Westerblokker even buiten Hoorn werd in 1475 een vrouwenklooster met de naam Bethlehem opgericht. De grote stichtingsgolf van kloosters, die eind 14de eeuw begon, was al enige tijd over zijn hoogtepunt heen. In het proefschrift wordt onderzocht waarom aan het einde van de 15de eeuw nog een nieuwe kloostergemeenschap tot stand kwam en wat zegt dit over de vitaliteit van het kloosterleven in de tweede helft van de 15de eeuw en vroege 16de eeuw. Deze nieuwe stichting op het platteland volgde een geheel eigen formule: het nam de regel van Augustinus aan en schaarde zich onder de Orde van het Heilig Kruis. Aanvankelijk hadden de kruisbroeders alleen het toezicht over het vrouwenklooster en in 1530 namen ze ook het biechtvaderschap op zich. Dankzij het statutenboek krijgen we een goed beeld van het religieuze leven in het klooster en de wijze waarop de kruisbroeders vorm gaven aan een vrouwenklooster onder hun hoede. Tussen 2003 en 2008 is klooster Bethlehem voor een groot gedeelte opgegraven. De kloosterplattegrond en de inrichting van het kloosterterrein kunnen deels worden gereconstrueerd. De opgravingen hebben tevens grote hoeveelheden vondstmateriaal opgeleverd, waaronder veel devotionalia van pijpaarde en terracotta, die een beeld geven van het kloosterleven. Show less
As part of the VIDI 'Cultural innovation in a globalising society: Egypt in the Roman world', this research explores manifestations of Egypt in the material culture of Augustan Rome. This period... Show moreAs part of the VIDI 'Cultural innovation in a globalising society: Egypt in the Roman world', this research explores manifestations of Egypt in the material culture of Augustan Rome. This period was a crucial turning point for the urban landscape of Rome, which was characterised by cultural diversity. Previous studies focus primarily on Greek influences on the development of Augustan material culture, while Egypt remains neglected or simply categorised as exoticism or Egyptomania. This research, in contrast, set out to investigate whether or not __Egypt__ constituted an integral part of Augustan material culture during this period. By comprising for the first time a comprehensive and interpretative overview of manifestations of Egypt in Augustan Rome __including public monuments, paintings, and architectural elements as well as pottery, gems, and jewellery from private contexts__ a wide variety of case studies could be conducted, among which object reappraisals as well as new finds and contextual analyses were featured. By focusing on the archaeological data, this study demonstrates that Egypt was not an exotic Outsider in Rome, but constituted a remarkably diverse part of Roman material culture and the Augustan urban landscape, and was integrally part of the inherently flexible Augustan material culture repertoire. Show less
En la historiografía y la arqueología dominicana la trascendencia de la región norte ha estado tradicionalmente ligada a su condición de escenario de importantes acontecimientos vinculados con los... Show moreEn la historiografía y la arqueología dominicana la trascendencia de la región norte ha estado tradicionalmente ligada a su condición de escenario de importantes acontecimientos vinculados con los inicios de la colonización europea (Arranz Marquez 1991; Cassa 1992; Deagan y Cruxent 2002; Guerrero y Veloz Maggiolo 1988; Ortega 1988; Wilson 1992). Al margen de los aportes que esa visión ha generado, la misma ha contribuido a trazar esquemas importantes en los estudios arqueológicos, sobre todo, al incidir en la prioridad de ciertos temas; la forma en que estos han sido abordados, así como los escenarios propicios para su investigación. En este artículo revisamos algunas de estas nociones y proporcionamos evidencias para entender la conquista del norte, principalmente desde la perspectiva indígena. Show less
