Dear Cliff, I agree with all of your points, but unfortunately you are
missing one crucial issue when it comes to Egypt, and that is how people in
Egypt view themselves and their connection to Egypt/Kemet's past. When I
started to research, publish and present Egypt as an indigenous African
culture and people, in every sense, some of my colleagues in Egypt (and I
stress not all) were offended, told me that what I was presenting was
"dangerous" and inaccurate. The British Museum perhaps above all other
museums has to play a strong political role in Egypt and with the Egyptian
authorities. I raise this not as a criticism of my Egyptian colleagues
views of my approach to Ancient Egypt, but to demonstrate how serious an
issue this can be for Egyptologists who wish to work, negotiate etc with
the antiquities authorities. One of them hasn't spoken to me since- such
was the level of outrage.
Sally-Ann
On Jul 29 2011, Cliff Pereira wrote:
>
> In my experience of community-heritage-academia engagement, I agree with
> Arthur, and all the previous entries. Also suggest that given the points
> (outlined in my previous entry) I think the BM need to feel that;
>
> 1) This is in their best interest. 2) They will not loose credibility as
> academia are part of the process. 3) They gain new and local audiences.
> 4) They can be seen to be at the forefront of heritage development. 5)
> Community engagement is a win-win process. 6) The process will raise
> respect for them in a world of changing attitudes and financial (i.e.
> funding) opportunities.
>
> Percieved ownership by all parties is essential for the success of all
> patnerships and this is no exception.
>
>Cliff Pereira
>Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:04:00 +0000
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Suggestion
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>I agree with Sally-Ann.
>
> Our first hurdle is to obtain British Museum's agreement for
> consultation(s), as this is the present problem. Who would be among those
> asked to form the consultation group is an easier issue, as they would
> include academics, experts and others. In talking with such a world-class
> institution, we have to play our cards correctly.
>
>arthur
>
>
>
|