Australasian Egyptology Conference 4: Papers from the Fourth Australasian Egyptology Conference Dedicated to Gillian E. Bowen

This volume presents papers from the Fourth Australasian Egyptology Conference held at Monash University,Melbourne 16–18 September 2016, dedicated to Gillian E. Bowen. The contributions include several on Egypt's Western Desert, including economic policy, funerary cartonnage, ceramic traditions, and a Roman military campaign. Other papers reflect the wide range of research being undertaken by other Australasian scholars, including studies of early ceramics, Predynastic figurines, women in the family of high officials, religious practices, the Book of the Dead, sailing vessels, the interface between text and visual image, mummification practices of children, and more.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

This volume presents a collection of papers from the Fourth Australasian Egyptology Conference, held at Monash University in Melbourne from September 16 to 18, 2016. The conference and the papers in this volume are dedicated to Gillian E. Bowen, who retired from Monash that year, with a brief tribute to her presented at the opening of the volume.

The contributions in this volume cover various topics related to Egyptology, with a significant focus on Egypt's Western Desert. Monash University has conducted extensive fieldwork in the Dakhleh Oasis for many years, and several papers discuss the region's archaeological findings.

In his paper, Bassett explores the economic policy that governed the settlement of the Roman-period village of Kellis in the Dakhleh Oasis. He discusses the settlement's development and the role of trade and agriculture in its prosperity.

Rindi's paper focuses on the elaborately decorated funerary cartonnage from one of Kellis' cemeteries. The cartonnage showcases the artistic skills and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians during the Roman period.

Long's paper delves into the ceramic traditions of the Third Intermediate Period in Dakhleh. He discusses the types of ceramics found in the region and their significance in understanding the social and economic dynamics of the time.

Warfe's paper examines aspects of the proscription of Seth, who was venerated at the ancient capital of Dakhleh, based on data from the Luxor Temple in the valley. The paper explores the historical and religious context of Seth's veneration and the implications of his proscription.

Livingstone presents textiles of the late Roman Period from Christian burials in the Dakhleh Oasis. The textiles provide valuable insights into the cultural and social practices of the time.

Kucera examines a Roman military campaign in the northern Western Desert. The campaign's historical and archaeological significance is discussed, along with the evidence uncovered during the research.

The remaining papers in this volume reflect the wide range of research being undertaken by other Australasian scholars in Egyptology. These papers cover various periods and topics, including early ceramics from Hamamieh by Pilgrim and the breakage of Predynastic figurines by Ordynat.

Pilgrim's study explores the production and distribution of early ceramics in the region, while Ordynat's paper examines the physical characteristics and cultural significance of the broken figurines.

Marsh-Letts' paper examines a Fifth-century icon of the Virgin Mary from the Dakhleh Oasis. The icon's artistic style, symbolism, and historical context are discussed, providing insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the time.

Paull and Lisle's paper explores women in the family of high officials at Beni Hassan during the New Kingdom period. The paper examines the social and economic roles of women in the ancient Egyptian society and the challenges they faced.

Paull and Lisle's paper explores women in the family of high officials at Beni Hassan during the New Kingdom period. The paper examines the social and economic roles of women in the ancient Egyptian society and the challenges they faced.

Volk and Stephens' paper examines the iconography of the Book of the Dead and a new representation of a sailing vessel. The paper explores the religious and cultural significance of these symbols and their representation in ancient Egyptian art.

Thorpe's paper explores the interface between text and visual image in ancient Egyptian art and literature. The paper discusses the ways in which visual representations were used to convey religious and cultural messages and the ways in which text was used to complement and enhance these images.

Davey's paper examines mummification practices of children in ancient Egypt. The paper discusses the techniques used to prepare and preserve the bodies of children and the cultural and religious significance of mummification in ancient Egyptian society.

In conclusion, this volume presents a diverse range of papers from the Fourth Australasian Egyptology Conference, highlighting the significant contributions of Australasian scholars to the field of Egyptology. The papers cover various topics, including archaeological findings, historical and religious contexts, artistic styles, and cultural practices. The volume is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in Egyptology and provides insights into the rich and complex history of ancient Egypt.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 495 x 290 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274317