Victoria Arroyo

Dissertationsprojekt

I am currently a PhD candidate in Egyptology at the University of Münster with a scholarship from the DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service.

My research seeks to analyze the consumption of amulets - pendants with a cultural recognized motif - within the funerary customs of both royal/elite and non-elite Nubian burials. Nubia's history is marked by periods of independence and subjugation from Ancient Egypt, with the Napatan Period (750-270 BCE) serving as a particularly fascinating era of Nubian autonomy and cultural flourishing.

Despite their close ties, the burial practices of the Nubians diverged from those of their Egyptian counterparts in intriguing ways. While early scholars viewed Nubian tombs as mere imitations of Egyptian ones during the Napatan Period, a closer examination reveals nuanced differences in the use of funerary objects. For example, there are specific amulet forms in Nubian royal contexts. This challenges the notion of cultural superiority and suggests a more complex interplay of influences and adaptations between Egypt and Nubia, and, in a more fine scale, the consumption of these objects by different social groups.

To properly analyze the data from these burials, the project employs technology in the form of a relational database built using the programming language SQL. This database serves as a digital repository of archaeological data that will be made available online for anyone interested. By examining patterns (and divergences), I seek to explore questions of social identity, consumption, and cultural exchange in ancient Nubia. Moreover, by comparing royal/elite and non-elite burials, I hope to discern how social status and power dynamics influenced burial customs and the use of amulets.

The significance of this research extends beyond the realm of academia, offering insights into the complexities of ancient societies and the interconnectedness of cultures and social groups. By challenging conventional narratives and exploring alternative perspectives, we can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.