Project description
Ancient Egyptian civilisation as an integral part of the African Continent
The scholarly narrative of Egypt has traditionally emphasised its interactions with Mediterranean and Near East cultures, while often overlooking its connections with sub-Saharan cultures and its broader African context. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the ESSA project seeks to challenge this conventional view. It will compile a catalogue of motifs, symbols, and cultural traits shared among various ancient cultures, highlighting elements of cultural exchange. The project will investigate various phases of cultural relations across time, examining shifts and continuities in cultural values, and explore how these cultural dynamics were intertwined with the political dynamics of each period. Ultimately, ESSA aims to reframe ancient Egyptian civilisation as an integral part of the African continent.
Objective
The ESSA project will challenge the Egyptological scholarly narrative that has for centuries contextualised ancient Egypt in relation to the Mediterranean and the Near East and simultaneously overlooked its position on the African continent, minimising its relations with sub-Saharan cultures. This transformative objective will be achieved with the creation of a catalogue of motifs, symbols, and cultural traits shared by several ancient cultures. By presenting the key elements of cultural exchange, the project aims to disrupt traditional perspectives of Egyptology. The ESSA will adopt a diachronic approach and systematically examine different phases of the relations, which will allow for a nuanced evaluation of changes and/or continuity of cultural values over time. Moreover, it will delve into how these cultural shifts relate to the prevailing political dynamics of each period. The overarching goal of the ESSA project is to recontextualise ancient Egyptian civilisation, not only in relation to other African cultures but will instead, reposition it as an integral part of the African continent.
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
80121 Naples
Italy