(Re)birth And Resurrection - Digitizing Antiquity: Preparing Ancient Egyptian Collections for the Digital World at The Grand Egyptian Museum and The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
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Date
2017
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Abstract
Protector of thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history, the Egyptian Museum in
Cairo (EMC) is home to the greatest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the world. Unfortunately, the EMC has not incorporated many digital technologies nor initiated a comprehensive digitization program. As a result, the world is missing vital information regarding the ancient Egyptian civilization and will continue to do so until action is taken. In the next two years, the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to open near the Giza Plateau with hopes that it will embrace more technological advancements.
This paper is based on published sources as well as three interviews with people in Egypt who are knowledgeable about the EMC and GEM all providing insight about how digital technologies could impact the future of these institutions. With the founding of the GEM, a focus on the possibilities of using digital technology tools to bring the treasures of the GEM and EMC to the world is timely. A new tool is also proposed in this paper tentatively titled “Kemet ib” meaning “Heart of Egypt” in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, a five-year plan/living document to establish the groundwork of technological and digital programs at both the GEM and EMC.
Integrating new technological programs at the GEM will be a “(re)birth” in the sense that the museum will be able to establish a digital presence and learn from how the minimal inclusion of technology at the EMC has hindered the institution. Implementing new technologies in the EMC will be a “resurrection” in the sense that since little digital technology and media programing has been adapted thus far, the ability to reinvigorate and revitalize the museum will renew its sense of purpose and respect for its dedication to preserving its collections in spite of limited resources, and sharing its collections with all Egyptians and the world.
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Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC), Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Digital Preservation