Egyptologist presents lecture on ancient artefacts

The Egyptian Society of South Africa (TESSA) welcomed acclaimed Egyptologist, Dr Heba Abd el-Gawad who presented a lecture at their monthly meeting held at St George’s Grammar school in Mowbray last Tuesday, September 27.

Dr Abd el-Gawad is the first Egyptian guest speaker to present at the organisation in person since 2006.

Her lecture was titled, “Whose Egypt? Egypt and its Dispersed Heritage”.

Dr Abd el-Gawad says she is aware of the active work that TESSA does with their lectures and their interaction in the community.

“There is an ancient Egyptian collection here in South Africa which is on display in museums, and there is a fascination with ancient Egypt which can be a draw to the people to connect them more to the continent,” she says.

Her lecture, based on joint research done with British archaeologist Alice Stevenson, focused on how Egyptian artefacts were removed through colonial times and how ancient Egypt was represented in those countries.

“We focus on where Egypt stands in the world when it comes to repatriation of artefacts to Egypt, and decolonising museums and reflecting on museums that have objects that come from a previously colonised context,” she says.

TESSA chairperson, Ria Robinson says it was a great honour having Dr Abd el-Gawad presenting to their guests.

“She is so well informed and passionate about the subject and people are becoming more aware of pressures placed on countries that are sitting with other country’s ancient artefacts.”

Around 50 guests were intrigued by Dr Abd el-Gawad’s lecture, including 14-year-old Lisakhanya Helwana who came with her mother, Vathiswa Helwana, from Langa.

Lisakhanya, from Garlandale High, says she has always been fascinated by the mysteries of ancient Egypt.

“I have always been fascinated about pharoahs and different themes associated with ancient Egypt,” she says.