17 November 2016 - 19 November 2016
in
Selim Hassan Exhibition at Cairo Museum
The exhibition displays the original manuscripts written by Egyptologist Selim Hassan (1886-1961), revealing the wealth of his egyptological work, being the first Egyptian to start an active career in excavations under a national organization. His love for his country and his passion for ancient Egyptian civilization has inscribed his name in Egyptian history.
This Exhibition displays manuscripts and photographs of Selim Hassan's excavations at Giza and Saqqarah. The three volumes of the Saqqarah excavations, starting from 1938, were published in 1975 by his colleague Zaki Iskander. In addition, there are some unpublished manuscripts and photographs of the causeway of King Unas (Wanis) illustrated by employing the new technology in the documentation of this astonishing complex.
There is also a draft of the report he wrote to the head of the Antiquities Service about the campaign he headed to rescue the monuments of Nubia, as well as plans and maps he drew, and photographs showing the condition of the monuments of Nubia. His pioneering vision was to adopt all methods to document Nubian treasure; photogrammetry was used for the first time in Egypt. There is a rare collection of his photographs during his excavations, as well as with people, such as famous European archaeologists, and with his family.
After his retirement, Selim Hassan devoted his time to writing, until his passing away in 1961. He published about 53 books and articles on Egyptological subjects in English, French, and Arabic. Walking in the steps of his ancestors, challenging time and capacity, he wrote The Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt in 18 volumes describing the legacy of Egyptian history, art, and literature. He built a bridge between the past and the present.
Selim Hassan taught the 20th century generation the value of documenting heritage and CULTNAT has built a second bridge to deliver these outstanding values by documentation and by using new technology for the present and future generations.