Hussein Bassir | Ministry of State for Antiquities (original) (raw)
Papers by Hussein Bassir
Kushite Twenty-fifth Dynasty royal clothing was characterized by many innovative elements that ap... more Kushite Twenty-fifth Dynasty royal clothing was
characterized by many innovative elements that appeared on traditional Egyptian clothing in various types of garments. Due to the lengthy period of interaction between Egypt and Kush, Kushite
royal clothing reveals many Egyptian influences. In this article, the authors seek to answer an important question about interconnections between Egyptian and Kushite clothing during this period: Did the Kushites adopt only Egyptian clothing elements, without creating their own clothing regalia? The authors conclude
that the Kushites did not imitate Egyptian clothing practices exactly but developed a new trend by combining both Egyptian and Kushite traditions in order to satisfy their conquered Egyptian subjects as well as their own people.
The writing of the nonroyal self was an ancient tradition in Egyptian scribal forms and practices... more The writing of the nonroyal self was an ancient tradition in
Egyptian scribal forms and practices. Through this medium
ancient Egyptian individuals expressed themselves in several
ways. In addition to other media, image and text were
particularly the main tools that the Egyptian elite members
utilized to promote themselves. Individuals composed (or had
composed for them) self-presentations that would preserve their
memory and themselves through the deities and the temple
clergy and would allow them to enjoy blessings in the afterlife.
This article revisits the issue of Saite copying from earlier sources and, more specifically, add... more This article revisits the issue of Saite copying from earlier sources and, more specifically, addresses the possible transmission of the older phraseology and thematic conceptions of the genre (Schriftkultur
or Textkultur) in the self-presentations of Payeftjauemawyneith in late Saite Egypt. The discussion is based on a comparison of textual similarities of his self-presentations on naophorous statues Louvre A
93 and BM EA 83 to the earlier self-presentations of the Old Kingdom text of Djau (stela CG 1431 from Abydos), the Middle Kingdom text of Djefaihapi I at Asyut (Siut I), and the New Kingdom text of Puyemre at Thebes (TT 39)—comparisons already made in the past by other scholars. Although there are similarities between these texts and those of Payeftjauemawyneith, the textual features of his self-presentations do not reflect direct transmission from those earlier texts. Moreover, it is not entirely obvious that the older phraseology of the genre was known to Payeftjauemawyneith. Thus, in this case, there is no evidence the scribes of the texts of Payeftjauemawyneith had any direct, or even
indirect, knowledge of Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom texts such as those to which his texts have been compared.
This article is concerned with Amarna royal clothing, specifically the kilt, the bag-tunic, and t... more This article is concerned with Amarna royal clothing,
specifically the kilt, the bag-tunic, and the robe of
Amenhotep IV/Akhenaten, Nefertiti and the princesses, and
sheds light through artistic description and analysis on any
religious implications that their clothing may reveal. The
Amarna royal clothing was among the innovations of the
Amarna Age. The king and his royal family members’
clothing are different from the main stream of the
iconography of Egyptian royalty. He and his family were
probably represented in accordance with the new cult,
however, the royal artists clearly exaggerated in representing
them. The king might have been the one who inspired his and
his family’s clothing change and was influenced by the
clothing of his father Amenhotep III.
New publication, edition, and reading of the self-presentation of the famous Neshor named Psamtik... more New publication, edition, and reading of the self-presentation of the famous Neshor named Psamtikmenkhib on his fragmentary Mendes statue from Late Saite Egypt. The religious beliefs, moral values, and preservation of the self of Neshor as well as some concluding remarks are presented.
This paper represents a new publication, edition, and interpretation of the selfpresentation of N... more This paper represents a new publication, edition, and interpretation of the selfpresentation of Neshor named Psamtikmenkhib (hereafter Neshor) found on theophorous statue Louvre A 90. Neshor and his statue date to Late Saite Egypt, and the text is rich and unique in content. Neshor’s activities at Elephantine, especially his role in the mercenaries’ revolt against King Apries early in the king’s reign are presented in light of Neshor’s related military titles and epithets. Archaeological issues surrounding the statue and text are also discussed.
This article deals with the concept of royal self-presentation used by a nonroyal high official i... more This article deals with the concept of royal self-presentation used by a nonroyal high official in Late Saite Egypt. In his self-presentation on naophorous statue Louvre A 93, Payeftjauemawyneith confirms his involvement in building activities in a kingly manner. He points out that: " I built the temple of Khentyimentt, as an excellent construction of eternity, at his majesty's command, that he might see that I was busy in the affairs of Tawer ". It is notable to see an official expressing himself in such a way. Although he further states that was done " at his majesty's command, " he does not name the king, and the king's presence is not that strong. This text reflects a sense of high self-esteem and a rise of individuality in the period. Payeftjauemawyneith's self-presentation may draw on royal texts dealing with the same activity. Payeftjauemawyneith's self-presentation stresses that he was on a mission on the king's behalf and reflects his rule piety toward the deity. This nonroyal involvement in building activities in the period shows how royal prerogatives were probably seized by Saite officials such as Payeftjauemawyneith.
فى هذه المقالة، نناقش الجوانب العملية لبناء التسلسل الزمنى (الكرونولوجى) لمصر استنادا إلى حلقات ج... more فى هذه المقالة، نناقش الجوانب العملية لبناء التسلسل الزمنى (الكرونولوجى) لمصر استنادا إلى حلقات جذوع الأشجار، ونسلط الضوء على الحاجة إلى تأسيس علم "الدندروإيجيبتولوجى" فى مصر والإفادة منه، ذلك العلم الذى يستخدم مبادىء علم الدندروكرونولوجى (علم استخدام حلقات جذوع الأشجار فى التأريخ) جنبا إلى جنب مع علم المصريات، والإفادة من تطبيقات أبحاث علم الدندروكرونولوجى فى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وأوروبا واليابان . ونقدم أيضا تقريرا عن تحليلات علم الدندروكرونولوجى المنشورة عن الآثار المصرية إلى الآن، ونعريف بأنواع رئيسة من الموارد الخشبية من فترات زمنية مختلفة وفقا لأعلى إمكانات علم الدندروكرونولوجى.
Publication of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo naos CG 70041 of the goldsmith Sankhuher, found in th... more Publication of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo naos CG 70041 of the goldsmith Sankhuher, found in the so-called “nécropole des chanteuses” by A. Mariette among the stelae of the songstresses of Osiris at Shunet el-Zebib, Abydos, dating to the late Twentieth Dynasty. The funerary naos commemorates several individuals, including three women: Tabaketnetast, Tasethaeitenirriteth, and Sheritre, and two men: Sankhuher and Shediwahsu. The figures represented are inscribed on the surface of the clay naos. The three scenes exhibit three epithets or manifestations of the god Osiris: the truly good brother, lord of provisions, and lord of eternity. Transliteration, translation, and discussion of the naos are presented. This naos was created and left probably in a tomb at Abydos so that these individuals could benefit presumably from being in the presence of the sacred realm of Osiris, the truly good brother, lord of provisions, and eternity, and could participate in the rituals and mysteries of Osiris at Abydos. This paper proposes a genealogy for the individuals identified in the naos. Sheritre, a songstress of Osiris, was presumably the wife of Shediwahsu and the mother of daughters Tabaketnetast and Tasethaeitenirriteth. Tabaketnetast was likely the wife of Sankhuher. The naos was created in the hope of sustaining the family and perhaps even their relations in the afterlife, assuring them of their continued participation in the cult of Osiris.
Radiocarbon, Vol. 56, Nr. 4; Tree-Ring Research, Vol. 70, Nr. 3, pp. S93-S102, Dec 2014
We assess the state of and potential for expansion of dendroarchaeological research in Egypt. We ... more We assess the state of and potential for expansion of dendroarchaeological research in Egypt. We also report previously unpublished findings, which we hope will assist with the new effort in constructing tree-ring chronologies in Egypt. In doing so, we explain briefly some of the problems and potential of the future enterprise.
Touristic development, a necessity for sustainable development, could turn Bahariya Oasis into a ... more Touristic development, a necessity for sustainable development, could turn Bahariya Oasis into a focal point of global tourism for the western desert of Egypt. Touristic planning is among the most important tools of contemporary touristic development, aiming at increasing both individual visit and state income, and doubling the process of comprehensive cultural development for the natural, human, and material culture of Bahariya Oasis. Thus, touristic development planning is a crucial key to any economic and social development plan and will require the efforts of all concerned ministries, governmental and non-governmental entities and administrations in order to fulfill successful touristic development effort in an ambitious joint executive program in this very important archaeological and neglected touristic site.
The goal of this article is to shed light on the amazing monuments of Bahariya Oasis, to introduce new and different ways to benefit from this important area for tourism, and to develop this area for tourism to enhance both Egypt’s national income and economy in the light of the state’s increased interest in its oases in the western desert. Therefore this article presents the most important ideas that support the topic of touristic development of Bahariya Oasis, as follows:
• briefly introducing Bahariya Oasis and its history from ancient times to date;
• displaying the most important archaeological sites and touristic places;
• exhibiting the most important possibilities for touristic development for Bahariya Oasis;
• explaining the stages of preparing a touristic development plan for Bahariya Oasis;
• and concluding with the final results that this article has reached.
تعتبر التنمية السياحية ضرورة من ضرورات التنمية المستدامة التى يمكن أن تجعل من الواحات البحرية قبلة السياحة العالمية الوافدة إلى صحراء مصر الغربية. ويعد التخطيط السياحى من بين أهم أدوات التنمية السياحية المعاصرة التى تهدف إلى زيادة دخل الفرد والدولة ويزيد من وتيرة التنمية الحضارية الشاملة لكل المقومات الطبيعية والإنسانية والمادية فى الواحات البحرية. وبالتالى يعتبر تخطيط التنمية السياحية جزءا لا يتجزأ من خطة التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية التى تلزم كل الوزارات والأجهزة والإدارات الحكومية وغير الحكومية المعنية بتنفيذ سياسة تنموية سياحية كبرنامج عمل مشترك طموح فى هذه المنطقة المهمة أثريا والمهملة سياحيا إلى الآن.
وهدف هذا البحث هو إلقاء الضوء على هذه منطقة الواحات البحرية الأثرية المتميزة، وطرح طرق جديدة وعديدة للإفادة من هذه المنطقة المهمة سياحيا، وتطوير هذه المنطقة سياحيا مما يساهم فى زيادة الناتج القومى للاقتصاد المصرى فى ظل اهتمام الدولة المتنامى بواحات الصحراء الغربية. وبناء على ما تقدم يتناول البحث أهم الأفكار التى تخدم موضوع التنمية السياحية للواحات البحرية على النحو:
-تعريف مبسط بالواحات البحرية وتاريخها منذ أقدم العصور إلى الآن.
-تقديم أهم آثار الواحات البحرية ومعالمها السياحية.
-عرض أهم طرق التنمية السياحية بالواحات البحرية.
-توضيح مراحل إعداد خطة التنمية السياحية بالواحات البحرية.
-الوصول إلى نتائج البحث.
Kushite Twenty-fifth Dynasty royal clothing was characterized by many innovative elements that ap... more Kushite Twenty-fifth Dynasty royal clothing was
characterized by many innovative elements that appeared on traditional Egyptian clothing in various types of garments. Due to the lengthy period of interaction between Egypt and Kush, Kushite
royal clothing reveals many Egyptian influences. In this article, the authors seek to answer an important question about interconnections between Egyptian and Kushite clothing during this period: Did the Kushites adopt only Egyptian clothing elements, without creating their own clothing regalia? The authors conclude
that the Kushites did not imitate Egyptian clothing practices exactly but developed a new trend by combining both Egyptian and Kushite traditions in order to satisfy their conquered Egyptian subjects as well as their own people.
The writing of the nonroyal self was an ancient tradition in Egyptian scribal forms and practices... more The writing of the nonroyal self was an ancient tradition in
Egyptian scribal forms and practices. Through this medium
ancient Egyptian individuals expressed themselves in several
ways. In addition to other media, image and text were
particularly the main tools that the Egyptian elite members
utilized to promote themselves. Individuals composed (or had
composed for them) self-presentations that would preserve their
memory and themselves through the deities and the temple
clergy and would allow them to enjoy blessings in the afterlife.
This article revisits the issue of Saite copying from earlier sources and, more specifically, add... more This article revisits the issue of Saite copying from earlier sources and, more specifically, addresses the possible transmission of the older phraseology and thematic conceptions of the genre (Schriftkultur
or Textkultur) in the self-presentations of Payeftjauemawyneith in late Saite Egypt. The discussion is based on a comparison of textual similarities of his self-presentations on naophorous statues Louvre A
93 and BM EA 83 to the earlier self-presentations of the Old Kingdom text of Djau (stela CG 1431 from Abydos), the Middle Kingdom text of Djefaihapi I at Asyut (Siut I), and the New Kingdom text of Puyemre at Thebes (TT 39)—comparisons already made in the past by other scholars. Although there are similarities between these texts and those of Payeftjauemawyneith, the textual features of his self-presentations do not reflect direct transmission from those earlier texts. Moreover, it is not entirely obvious that the older phraseology of the genre was known to Payeftjauemawyneith. Thus, in this case, there is no evidence the scribes of the texts of Payeftjauemawyneith had any direct, or even
indirect, knowledge of Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom texts such as those to which his texts have been compared.
This article is concerned with Amarna royal clothing, specifically the kilt, the bag-tunic, and t... more This article is concerned with Amarna royal clothing,
specifically the kilt, the bag-tunic, and the robe of
Amenhotep IV/Akhenaten, Nefertiti and the princesses, and
sheds light through artistic description and analysis on any
religious implications that their clothing may reveal. The
Amarna royal clothing was among the innovations of the
Amarna Age. The king and his royal family members’
clothing are different from the main stream of the
iconography of Egyptian royalty. He and his family were
probably represented in accordance with the new cult,
however, the royal artists clearly exaggerated in representing
them. The king might have been the one who inspired his and
his family’s clothing change and was influenced by the
clothing of his father Amenhotep III.
New publication, edition, and reading of the self-presentation of the famous Neshor named Psamtik... more New publication, edition, and reading of the self-presentation of the famous Neshor named Psamtikmenkhib on his fragmentary Mendes statue from Late Saite Egypt. The religious beliefs, moral values, and preservation of the self of Neshor as well as some concluding remarks are presented.
This paper represents a new publication, edition, and interpretation of the selfpresentation of N... more This paper represents a new publication, edition, and interpretation of the selfpresentation of Neshor named Psamtikmenkhib (hereafter Neshor) found on theophorous statue Louvre A 90. Neshor and his statue date to Late Saite Egypt, and the text is rich and unique in content. Neshor’s activities at Elephantine, especially his role in the mercenaries’ revolt against King Apries early in the king’s reign are presented in light of Neshor’s related military titles and epithets. Archaeological issues surrounding the statue and text are also discussed.
This article deals with the concept of royal self-presentation used by a nonroyal high official i... more This article deals with the concept of royal self-presentation used by a nonroyal high official in Late Saite Egypt. In his self-presentation on naophorous statue Louvre A 93, Payeftjauemawyneith confirms his involvement in building activities in a kingly manner. He points out that: " I built the temple of Khentyimentt, as an excellent construction of eternity, at his majesty's command, that he might see that I was busy in the affairs of Tawer ". It is notable to see an official expressing himself in such a way. Although he further states that was done " at his majesty's command, " he does not name the king, and the king's presence is not that strong. This text reflects a sense of high self-esteem and a rise of individuality in the period. Payeftjauemawyneith's self-presentation may draw on royal texts dealing with the same activity. Payeftjauemawyneith's self-presentation stresses that he was on a mission on the king's behalf and reflects his rule piety toward the deity. This nonroyal involvement in building activities in the period shows how royal prerogatives were probably seized by Saite officials such as Payeftjauemawyneith.
فى هذه المقالة، نناقش الجوانب العملية لبناء التسلسل الزمنى (الكرونولوجى) لمصر استنادا إلى حلقات ج... more فى هذه المقالة، نناقش الجوانب العملية لبناء التسلسل الزمنى (الكرونولوجى) لمصر استنادا إلى حلقات جذوع الأشجار، ونسلط الضوء على الحاجة إلى تأسيس علم "الدندروإيجيبتولوجى" فى مصر والإفادة منه، ذلك العلم الذى يستخدم مبادىء علم الدندروكرونولوجى (علم استخدام حلقات جذوع الأشجار فى التأريخ) جنبا إلى جنب مع علم المصريات، والإفادة من تطبيقات أبحاث علم الدندروكرونولوجى فى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وأوروبا واليابان . ونقدم أيضا تقريرا عن تحليلات علم الدندروكرونولوجى المنشورة عن الآثار المصرية إلى الآن، ونعريف بأنواع رئيسة من الموارد الخشبية من فترات زمنية مختلفة وفقا لأعلى إمكانات علم الدندروكرونولوجى.
Publication of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo naos CG 70041 of the goldsmith Sankhuher, found in th... more Publication of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo naos CG 70041 of the goldsmith Sankhuher, found in the so-called “nécropole des chanteuses” by A. Mariette among the stelae of the songstresses of Osiris at Shunet el-Zebib, Abydos, dating to the late Twentieth Dynasty. The funerary naos commemorates several individuals, including three women: Tabaketnetast, Tasethaeitenirriteth, and Sheritre, and two men: Sankhuher and Shediwahsu. The figures represented are inscribed on the surface of the clay naos. The three scenes exhibit three epithets or manifestations of the god Osiris: the truly good brother, lord of provisions, and lord of eternity. Transliteration, translation, and discussion of the naos are presented. This naos was created and left probably in a tomb at Abydos so that these individuals could benefit presumably from being in the presence of the sacred realm of Osiris, the truly good brother, lord of provisions, and eternity, and could participate in the rituals and mysteries of Osiris at Abydos. This paper proposes a genealogy for the individuals identified in the naos. Sheritre, a songstress of Osiris, was presumably the wife of Shediwahsu and the mother of daughters Tabaketnetast and Tasethaeitenirriteth. Tabaketnetast was likely the wife of Sankhuher. The naos was created in the hope of sustaining the family and perhaps even their relations in the afterlife, assuring them of their continued participation in the cult of Osiris.
Radiocarbon, Vol. 56, Nr. 4; Tree-Ring Research, Vol. 70, Nr. 3, pp. S93-S102, Dec 2014
We assess the state of and potential for expansion of dendroarchaeological research in Egypt. We ... more We assess the state of and potential for expansion of dendroarchaeological research in Egypt. We also report previously unpublished findings, which we hope will assist with the new effort in constructing tree-ring chronologies in Egypt. In doing so, we explain briefly some of the problems and potential of the future enterprise.
Touristic development, a necessity for sustainable development, could turn Bahariya Oasis into a ... more Touristic development, a necessity for sustainable development, could turn Bahariya Oasis into a focal point of global tourism for the western desert of Egypt. Touristic planning is among the most important tools of contemporary touristic development, aiming at increasing both individual visit and state income, and doubling the process of comprehensive cultural development for the natural, human, and material culture of Bahariya Oasis. Thus, touristic development planning is a crucial key to any economic and social development plan and will require the efforts of all concerned ministries, governmental and non-governmental entities and administrations in order to fulfill successful touristic development effort in an ambitious joint executive program in this very important archaeological and neglected touristic site.
The goal of this article is to shed light on the amazing monuments of Bahariya Oasis, to introduce new and different ways to benefit from this important area for tourism, and to develop this area for tourism to enhance both Egypt’s national income and economy in the light of the state’s increased interest in its oases in the western desert. Therefore this article presents the most important ideas that support the topic of touristic development of Bahariya Oasis, as follows:
• briefly introducing Bahariya Oasis and its history from ancient times to date;
• displaying the most important archaeological sites and touristic places;
• exhibiting the most important possibilities for touristic development for Bahariya Oasis;
• explaining the stages of preparing a touristic development plan for Bahariya Oasis;
• and concluding with the final results that this article has reached.
تعتبر التنمية السياحية ضرورة من ضرورات التنمية المستدامة التى يمكن أن تجعل من الواحات البحرية قبلة السياحة العالمية الوافدة إلى صحراء مصر الغربية. ويعد التخطيط السياحى من بين أهم أدوات التنمية السياحية المعاصرة التى تهدف إلى زيادة دخل الفرد والدولة ويزيد من وتيرة التنمية الحضارية الشاملة لكل المقومات الطبيعية والإنسانية والمادية فى الواحات البحرية. وبالتالى يعتبر تخطيط التنمية السياحية جزءا لا يتجزأ من خطة التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية التى تلزم كل الوزارات والأجهزة والإدارات الحكومية وغير الحكومية المعنية بتنفيذ سياسة تنموية سياحية كبرنامج عمل مشترك طموح فى هذه المنطقة المهمة أثريا والمهملة سياحيا إلى الآن.
وهدف هذا البحث هو إلقاء الضوء على هذه منطقة الواحات البحرية الأثرية المتميزة، وطرح طرق جديدة وعديدة للإفادة من هذه المنطقة المهمة سياحيا، وتطوير هذه المنطقة سياحيا مما يساهم فى زيادة الناتج القومى للاقتصاد المصرى فى ظل اهتمام الدولة المتنامى بواحات الصحراء الغربية. وبناء على ما تقدم يتناول البحث أهم الأفكار التى تخدم موضوع التنمية السياحية للواحات البحرية على النحو:
-تعريف مبسط بالواحات البحرية وتاريخها منذ أقدم العصور إلى الآن.
-تقديم أهم آثار الواحات البحرية ومعالمها السياحية.
-عرض أهم طرق التنمية السياحية بالواحات البحرية.
-توضيح مراحل إعداد خطة التنمية السياحية بالواحات البحرية.
-الوصول إلى نتائج البحث.
A shabti of Saite date, UC 40093, bearing the name Payeftjauemawyneith, is for the first time des... more A shabti of Saite date, UC 40093, bearing the name Payeftjauemawyneith, is for the first time described, transcribed, transliterated, and translated. Some publications conflate it with another shabti that bears the same name. This article explores whether they belonged to the same man (who may be a high-ranking official who served under Apries and Amasis), and possible locations for his tomb.