I have provided a link to the following site before, when providing links to the 18th Dynasty (June post).
Since then, i have seen how much more the site offers. The site owner, Anneke Bart, has put a lot of time and effort into providing some quality information on Hatshepsut(amongst)others. Anneke, thanks for the information and the previous permission given to me, to link to your work.
Anneke's ancient Egypt site
Stuart
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Hatshepsut - Future Excavations
As my project focuses a lot of attention on the museum objects of Hatshepsut, I have been considering future findings and where they might be housed.
Egyptology progresses at a pace and if you are serious about your studies, then it becomes aparent that keeping up to date is essential.
When most people start studying the Egypt- based excavations, the almost immediate question may well be "do the finds get split amongst the excavators?" The answer to the question has changed from the time of, say, Howard Carter. Back then it was common for a division of finds, so that Egypt and other countries (generally those who are part of the excavations themselves) share the "spoils".
Today, all finds stay in Egypt. We have already seen England, Holland, France and Germany- among other countries who look after the "relics" of Hatshepsut. The work of conserving and housing these objects is there to see. This comes at a price - often through grants. There are many countries with the skills, enthusiasm and commitment to continue the work, but what happens in decades time? That is unclear although it will clearly be difficult for any museum to increase their collections legally (the avoidance of the black- market).
The future appears to be that all future Hatshepsut finds will stay in Egypt, to be housed in various museums- including at Luxor and Cairo. Whilst this stops items leaving Egypt - i wonder i it may have an impact on the Egyptologists of the future.
Whilst the internet gives you extremely valuable information on the subject of Egyptology i have found that nothing beats actually seeing ancient artifacts in various museums up close and personal. We will still have these items, but we may rely on inventive thinking by those who run the Egypt- based rooms to rotate items and possibly even a rotation of artifacts between museums. Even this sounds quite exciting (a rotation), but it may mean that storerooms in Egyptian Museums burst full of artifacts (maybe even too much for them to handle).
We will see of course what transpires. I am not negative on the subject of keeping items in Egypt at all, but not everyone will get to see them. I think that most people will fall back on the internet. One problem with the internet- who do you trust? Well, we can still rely on forums and blogs - these will grow and grow. It will be up to the individual to decide who they trust. Will there ever be a complete database of all ancient Egyptian artifacts the world over- probably. Will this include all items not considered fit for display- it may be doubtful unless way, way into the future. After all Egypt allows us to discover more information about her glorious past every year. This will not end in our lives as the sand is stripped back and more finds are registered.
Stuart
Egyptology progresses at a pace and if you are serious about your studies, then it becomes aparent that keeping up to date is essential.
When most people start studying the Egypt- based excavations, the almost immediate question may well be "do the finds get split amongst the excavators?" The answer to the question has changed from the time of, say, Howard Carter. Back then it was common for a division of finds, so that Egypt and other countries (generally those who are part of the excavations themselves) share the "spoils".
Today, all finds stay in Egypt. We have already seen England, Holland, France and Germany- among other countries who look after the "relics" of Hatshepsut. The work of conserving and housing these objects is there to see. This comes at a price - often through grants. There are many countries with the skills, enthusiasm and commitment to continue the work, but what happens in decades time? That is unclear although it will clearly be difficult for any museum to increase their collections legally (the avoidance of the black- market).
The future appears to be that all future Hatshepsut finds will stay in Egypt, to be housed in various museums- including at Luxor and Cairo. Whilst this stops items leaving Egypt - i wonder i it may have an impact on the Egyptologists of the future.
Whilst the internet gives you extremely valuable information on the subject of Egyptology i have found that nothing beats actually seeing ancient artifacts in various museums up close and personal. We will still have these items, but we may rely on inventive thinking by those who run the Egypt- based rooms to rotate items and possibly even a rotation of artifacts between museums. Even this sounds quite exciting (a rotation), but it may mean that storerooms in Egyptian Museums burst full of artifacts (maybe even too much for them to handle).
We will see of course what transpires. I am not negative on the subject of keeping items in Egypt at all, but not everyone will get to see them. I think that most people will fall back on the internet. One problem with the internet- who do you trust? Well, we can still rely on forums and blogs - these will grow and grow. It will be up to the individual to decide who they trust. Will there ever be a complete database of all ancient Egyptian artifacts the world over- probably. Will this include all items not considered fit for display- it may be doubtful unless way, way into the future. After all Egypt allows us to discover more information about her glorious past every year. This will not end in our lives as the sand is stripped back and more finds are registered.
Stuart
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Hatshepsut - Brooklyn Museum
I have just recently found out that the Brooklyn Museum in the U.S.A houses a number of items of interest to this Hatshepsut Project.
Amongst their collection of antiquities can be found the following:
Hatshepsut
Senenmut
Thutmose III
Queen Ahmose
Here is a link to their website, where you can see photos of these items and descriptions which you may find useful.
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/search/?q=hatshepsut&x=0&y=0
Amongst their collection of antiquities can be found the following:
Hatshepsut
Senenmut
Thutmose III
Queen Ahmose
Here is a link to their website, where you can see photos of these items and descriptions which you may find useful.
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/search/?q=hatshepsut&x=0&y=0
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Hatshepsut - author's note
As i have been progressing through this blog, I have learned a great deal about Hatshepsut and of the details left behind by her. I have, of course, only just began the journey, but i have a few things to share at this early stage.
Hatshepsut was (to me) a great Pharaoh. Not only did she commission her beautiful mortuary temple, obelisks, way shrines, etc but she did so much more.
From what i know so far- the early 18th Dynasty had its fair share of instability. With Egypt united once again much was to be done to ensure that the whole of Egypt was fed, watered, defended and content.
Hatshepsut's father, Thutmose I succeeded Amenhotep I to the throne of Egypt and the Thutmoside dynasty had begun. Thutmose II was the next in line, married Hatshepsut and then died. Thutmose III was very young at this stage and began his reign with his Step- Mother, Hatshepsut (a co- regency).
At some stage Hatshepsut became Pharaoh. She died and Thutmose III was crowned pharaoh.
Ok- that was a very short story (and feel free to correct any mistakes), but the actual reign of Hatshepsut as Pharaoh has caused reason for much debate in today's world of Egyptology. Did Hatshepsut push Thutmose III out of the way so that she could become pharaoh, or was it to ensure stability and order in Egypt- someone had to reign until Thutmose III was old enough and capable enough of running Egypt successfully?
Its things like this which lead to people like us taking an interest, formulating ideas, opinions, cross- referencing with archaeological findings, etc, etc. This, to me, is great. Communities are created and knowledge is shared. One of the biggest bonuses in studying Ancient Egypt are the people you meet. Without like- minded individuals, it can be one long, lonely road.
Who else would i have to share my museum and holiday snaps to?
Thanks for your interest,
Stuart
I would like to thank Dr Karl Leser of the inspirational Maat-Ka-Ra Hatshepsut website for spotting an error in my original post (since corrected). Your help is greatly received and i thank you for your valued input.
Hatshepsut was (to me) a great Pharaoh. Not only did she commission her beautiful mortuary temple, obelisks, way shrines, etc but she did so much more.
From what i know so far- the early 18th Dynasty had its fair share of instability. With Egypt united once again much was to be done to ensure that the whole of Egypt was fed, watered, defended and content.
Hatshepsut's father, Thutmose I succeeded Amenhotep I to the throne of Egypt and the Thutmoside dynasty had begun. Thutmose II was the next in line, married Hatshepsut and then died. Thutmose III was very young at this stage and began his reign with his Step- Mother, Hatshepsut (a co- regency).
At some stage Hatshepsut became Pharaoh. She died and Thutmose III was crowned pharaoh.
Ok- that was a very short story (and feel free to correct any mistakes), but the actual reign of Hatshepsut as Pharaoh has caused reason for much debate in today's world of Egyptology. Did Hatshepsut push Thutmose III out of the way so that she could become pharaoh, or was it to ensure stability and order in Egypt- someone had to reign until Thutmose III was old enough and capable enough of running Egypt successfully?
Its things like this which lead to people like us taking an interest, formulating ideas, opinions, cross- referencing with archaeological findings, etc, etc. This, to me, is great. Communities are created and knowledge is shared. One of the biggest bonuses in studying Ancient Egypt are the people you meet. Without like- minded individuals, it can be one long, lonely road.
Who else would i have to share my museum and holiday snaps to?
Thanks for your interest,
Stuart
I would like to thank Dr Karl Leser of the inspirational Maat-Ka-Ra Hatshepsut website for spotting an error in my original post (since corrected). Your help is greatly received and i thank you for your valued input.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Photo - Cleopatra's Needle, London
The Obelisk of Thutmose III, often called "Cleopatra's Needle" although this was quarried and erected much before the time of the legendary Cleopatra IV.
Originally from Alexandria (this obelisk had fallen in antiquity and was one of a pair) this beautiful piece of history was commissioned by Thutmose III, the successor to Hatshepsut. It proudly stands on the Thames Embankment, London.
I will post different views of this obelisk and the signs that accompany it, at a later date.
Stuart
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Photo - British Museum Obelisk
The only obelisk of which i am aware which was commissioned by Hatshepsut but not intended for Karnak temple. This brings me up to 5 obelisks and i feel this may be the last of the Hatshepsut obelisks.Found in 3 separate pieces it is now looked after by the British Museum. It shows signs of the removal of Hatshepsut's name as was the case with many of her monuments during the reign of her successor, Thutmose III ("The Egyptian Napoleon").
This obelisk was found at Qasr Ibrim in Nubia re-used in a later building project as 3 separate blocks.
Regards,
Stuart
British Museum visit
I am back after some time away and some computer problems. It seems as though i have been away for a very long time. This will be the first time i have had to confirm that on 12th August i managed to visit the British Museum, London. This was my first visit and it was an amazing experience.
Before going i had a plan of which rooms i would visit- and in which order. By each room number i added where i might locate Hatshepsut related artifacts. I will add that i was unable to see many of the expected items. This was not due to anything other that the museum only showing approx 4% of its Egyptian artifacts at any one time.
The experience was one which i am keen to have again. The colossal bust of Ramesses II, Amenhotep III, Senusret III, the sphinx beard, Rosetta stone and so much more.
It was a family trip (my birthday treat!)to London- a day visit and i was sad to hear that the Petrie Museum is closed due to renovations. We actually had planned to do both but the Petrie Museum will most probably be a day trip in itself. Instead of the Petrie Museum we visited the Thames Embankment to take pictures of a very impressive Thutmoside monument, which i will mention at a later date.
Stuart
Before going i had a plan of which rooms i would visit- and in which order. By each room number i added where i might locate Hatshepsut related artifacts. I will add that i was unable to see many of the expected items. This was not due to anything other that the museum only showing approx 4% of its Egyptian artifacts at any one time.
The experience was one which i am keen to have again. The colossal bust of Ramesses II, Amenhotep III, Senusret III, the sphinx beard, Rosetta stone and so much more.
It was a family trip (my birthday treat!)to London- a day visit and i was sad to hear that the Petrie Museum is closed due to renovations. We actually had planned to do both but the Petrie Museum will most probably be a day trip in itself. Instead of the Petrie Museum we visited the Thames Embankment to take pictures of a very impressive Thutmoside monument, which i will mention at a later date.
Stuart
Sunday, 8 August 2010
The Punt trading expedition
The walls of Hatshepsuts mortuary temple show scenes of a trading expedition to the land of Punt. The scenes show the items brought back, the houses of the Puntians (?) and the ships which took Hatshepsuts people to Punt and back again.
I recently saw a documentary called "Building a Pharaoh's ship". Attempts are made to recreate one of the ships depicted on the temple walls.
The PBS site shown below gives details of the documentary as well as a lot more information which some of you may find useful. You do not have to watch the film, but i recommend browsing the other parts of the site:
http://video.pbs.org/video/1379655910/
Stuart
I recently saw a documentary called "Building a Pharaoh's ship". Attempts are made to recreate one of the ships depicted on the temple walls.
The PBS site shown below gives details of the documentary as well as a lot more information which some of you may find useful. You do not have to watch the film, but i recommend browsing the other parts of the site:
http://video.pbs.org/video/1379655910/
Stuart
Senenmut and Neferure
I am going through a lot of material at the moment, trying to add to this blog. The Hatshepsut related stuff is limited to time. Time is a factor that keeps on popping up like a little gremlin in my head reminding me that i have a family to take care of.
I am going to broaden my horizons, so to speak. I will start to include sites and items concerning Senenmut (Senemut if you prefer)and Neferure. Although these wonderful people of the past will always have a back seat to Hatshepsut, they are a very large part of the Hatshepsut story and this Hatshepsut project. All information on these will be introductory and i will refer you to further reading, or websites which will aid in more informed learning for those who may be interested.
I will not yet move on to Thutmose I,II, III, Ahmose and other major family members of Hatshepsut. These will follow later as i have to pace myself. As i am learning- as- i go i do not want to end up too far over my head.
At this stage i wish there were two of me. That would certainly solve some of the time issues... Please bare with me as i go. There will be times when this blog goes slightly quiet. I promise you that i will be in the background either reading books, excavation reports, watching documentaries and everything else that has helped me get to month 3 of this blog...
Stuart
I am going to broaden my horizons, so to speak. I will start to include sites and items concerning Senenmut (Senemut if you prefer)and Neferure. Although these wonderful people of the past will always have a back seat to Hatshepsut, they are a very large part of the Hatshepsut story and this Hatshepsut project. All information on these will be introductory and i will refer you to further reading, or websites which will aid in more informed learning for those who may be interested.
I will not yet move on to Thutmose I,II, III, Ahmose and other major family members of Hatshepsut. These will follow later as i have to pace myself. As i am learning- as- i go i do not want to end up too far over my head.
At this stage i wish there were two of me. That would certainly solve some of the time issues... Please bare with me as i go. There will be times when this blog goes slightly quiet. I promise you that i will be in the background either reading books, excavation reports, watching documentaries and everything else that has helped me get to month 3 of this blog...
Stuart
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Hatshepsut Project Update
The blog is now in its third month as i write this. I wanted to really just take a deep breath. Also to see what kind of progress the blog is making.
Firstly i would like to thank you all for taking part in the Project. It has been encouraging for me to have followers, as I inevitably work a bit harder knowing that other could benefit from this blog.
With regard museums:
I have one or two up my sleeve, but i am running out of options. The search will continue however.
With regard sites:
There are still sites which i am aware of (in Egypt) which house Hatshepsut's footprints. I will share these once i have checked on the materials i have.
With regards my own research:
* I have recently purchased a number of books and have many bookmarks, which i have been saving for a rainy day. Again, these will follow once i am confident on the content.
* A possible visit to the British Museum will open a few doors (photos especially) and i will of course write all about it.
* I have many hours of Deir el Bahri excavation material to pour through. This will take some time to take in before i will get a chance to consider a write- up.
So that's where i will leave it. Please feel free to contribute in any way. Photos, articles, pictures - all will be greatly received and i will always mention where i received the materials from.
Ok, so back to the new books (Hatshepsut related of course!, lol )
Thank you all,
Stuart
Firstly i would like to thank you all for taking part in the Project. It has been encouraging for me to have followers, as I inevitably work a bit harder knowing that other could benefit from this blog.
With regard museums:
I have one or two up my sleeve, but i am running out of options. The search will continue however.
With regard sites:
There are still sites which i am aware of (in Egypt) which house Hatshepsut's footprints. I will share these once i have checked on the materials i have.
With regards my own research:
* I have recently purchased a number of books and have many bookmarks, which i have been saving for a rainy day. Again, these will follow once i am confident on the content.
* A possible visit to the British Museum will open a few doors (photos especially) and i will of course write all about it.
* I have many hours of Deir el Bahri excavation material to pour through. This will take some time to take in before i will get a chance to consider a write- up.
So that's where i will leave it. Please feel free to contribute in any way. Photos, articles, pictures - all will be greatly received and i will always mention where i received the materials from.
Ok, so back to the new books (Hatshepsut related of course!, lol )
Thank you all,
Stuart
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
British Museum- Time for a visit
Wouldn't it be great if i could visit all of the worlds museums and sites, which house the items relating to Hatshepsut?
Well, that was a question that had previously occupied my mind. The reality is that i will only visit a fraction. Still, i have an extremely supportive family. They have their limits of course.
I have a possible chance of visiting the British Museum within the next 2 weeks. If this happens, then i will have one more museum/ site ticked off the list. If it doesn't then it is another museum/ site for the other list i have.
Should the visit happen, then i will circle like a hawk over an Egyptian battlefield in the hunt for the "second" lady in my life (after my wife of course), Hatshepsut.
I cannot imagine how excited i would be to spot even one Hatshepsut item. Maybe similar to a small child bumping into Santa on Christmas day may come close- but not that close. Pictures will be taken of each and every item i can find (i have not yet seen the potential restrictions, but i will check before i go (if i go)).
Hatshepsut aside, we have the famous bust of Ramesses II from the Ramesseum (Belzoni), The Rozetta Stone, Papyrus of Ani (Budge)and so much more.
Oh and the Hatshepsut obelisk (sorry, couldn't keep her out for long- this blog is for her, after all!). The obelisk is mentioned in a previous post.
I will keep you all up to date:
* Karnak Temple - TICK
* Deir el Bahri - TICK
* Luxor Temple - TICK
* Highclere (Carnarvon) Castle - TICK
* British Museum- TICK
....wow, nowhere near, but it has been great so far...........
Regards,
Stuart
Well, that was a question that had previously occupied my mind. The reality is that i will only visit a fraction. Still, i have an extremely supportive family. They have their limits of course.
I have a possible chance of visiting the British Museum within the next 2 weeks. If this happens, then i will have one more museum/ site ticked off the list. If it doesn't then it is another museum/ site for the other list i have.
Should the visit happen, then i will circle like a hawk over an Egyptian battlefield in the hunt for the "second" lady in my life (after my wife of course), Hatshepsut.
I cannot imagine how excited i would be to spot even one Hatshepsut item. Maybe similar to a small child bumping into Santa on Christmas day may come close- but not that close. Pictures will be taken of each and every item i can find (i have not yet seen the potential restrictions, but i will check before i go (if i go)).
Hatshepsut aside, we have the famous bust of Ramesses II from the Ramesseum (Belzoni), The Rozetta Stone, Papyrus of Ani (Budge)and so much more.
Oh and the Hatshepsut obelisk (sorry, couldn't keep her out for long- this blog is for her, after all!). The obelisk is mentioned in a previous post.
I will keep you all up to date:
* Karnak Temple - TICK
* Deir el Bahri - TICK
* Luxor Temple - TICK
* Highclere (Carnarvon) Castle - TICK
* British Museum- TICK
....wow, nowhere near, but it has been great so far...........
Regards,
Stuart
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