Epilogue
The international conference, “Bodies of Knowledge: Arabic Language, Egyptian Labor, and Communities of Practice in the History of Archaeology & Egyptology” took place at NVIC on 19-21 November 2024. We are honored to say that the conference was a huge success thanks to each and every participant from around the world and all who attended in-person and online.
For three full days, the halls of NVIC came to life with participants and guests from around Egypt, including Cairo, Quft, Alexandria, Luxor, and Sohag, and from the Sudan, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UAE, Germany, France, Austria, Norway, Turkey, Italy, the UK, the US, Canada, and Argentina — all joined by hundreds more participants and viewers online. Participants enjoyed 42 presentations across 8 sessions, 2 keynote lectures, lively discussions, poetry recitations, music, and film. These discussions brought together people and perspectives from across the MENA region and explored critical approaches to archaeological labor and knowledge production. It was the first program of its kind in Cairo to bring the history of Egyptology — with a focus on archaeological archives, photography, excavation diaries, tools and techniques, film, poetry, and family histories — in conversation with Arabic, Middle East, and postcolonial studies. Speakers from multiple research fields, colleagues from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and archaeological technicians from Quft, Upper Egypt, were united in the aim of re-centering the history of archaeology within Egypt and the Middle East.
It was a special honor for NVIC to host many members of the community of Quft, Upper Egypt, whose families have specialized in the craft of archaeological excavation for more than a century. Although their contributions to knowledge production have long been overshadowed by academic publications, the Quftis’ important contributions to this conference showed us how necessary it is to take seriously the role and voice of historically marginalized communities at every stage of knowledge production — from fieldwork to documentation, exhibition, dialogue, and publication.
Photos and highlights from the conference
- Images of day 1: Tuesday 19 November 2024
- Images of day 2: Wednesday 20 November 2024
- Images of day 3: Thursday 21 November 2024
Read what participants have been saying about the conference
‘I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an inspiring and thought-provoking conference…The thoughtful selection of papers and the seamless execution of the program created a rich platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.’
‘I felt enthusiastic about the future of Egyptology with the multidisciplinary and postcolonial approaches that you have brilliantly adopted for [the] conference.’
‘Thanks so much for putting together what is clearly an absolutely phenomenal event…the really positive energy of the conference came through very strongly on Zoom. I was so disappointed I couldn't make it to that room every day.’
‘From day one, I have heard only positive comments, and it was clear that a lot of hard work and dedication was behind it… it was well-organized, the speakers were engaging, and the hospitality was very special.’
‘It was a very special event, with the incredible team from Quft with us, and their discussion on the Thursday morning was a huge highlight of the conference. Three unique days!’
‘What a great conference, thrilling and fruitful discussion, lovely gathering.’
‘Thank you again for the wonderful conference! It was really great, from the talks to the discussions and the program around it (the documentary!).’
‘I am very happy to advise that I attended every session! Given the nine hours’ time difference… this meant not much sleep and much of it taking place during the day so as to be ready for the next day starting at 18:30 my time. But worth it! Very good to see the increasing emphasis on de-colonisation and the role of local communities in archaeological fieldwork!’
‘Had such an amazing time in Cairo last week that I barely took any photos… such a phenomenal conference!’
‘The conference shone a light on many unacknowledged Egyptian contributions to Egyptology… While there’s much still to be done, it’s moved the narrative forward & emphasized the necessity of change.’
‘…the first ever conference on this specific theme, with an extraordinary lineup of speakers, sharing a true historical moment in researching the histories of archaeological workforce, Egyptology and much more!’
