Profane Egyptologists : the revival and reconstruction of Ancient Egyptian religion
A range of culturally embedded interpretations and appropriations have left pharaonic Egypt at the centre of competing visions of its past. Despite the well-documented nature of Egyptâs broad perennial appeal, there is little analysis of the revival and reconstruction of pharaonic religion, which remains unrecognised by Egyptology, or conflated with âmysticâ ârevisionistâ approaches. This doctoral research is undertaken in order to address critically this gap in Egyptological understanding of contemporary reception of pharaonic religion, challenge current conceptions of academic boundary marking, and interrogate notions of heritage and legacy that are framed within Western discourse on the ancient world. Employing a multi-sited ethnographic study, reflective of the medium of its participants, this work contributes an original database of over 40 actors (including key figures, such as temple founders and authors) located within the âKemetic continuumâ of reconstructionist and revivalist practices. It critically examines responses, framing them within the contours of current Egyptological understanding, whilst remaining mindful of institutionalised positivist norms, and the hegemonic, reductionist
Harrison, P. M.
Profane Egyptologists : the revival and reconstruction of Ancient Egyptian religion. A range of culturally embedded interpretations and appropriations have left pharaonic Egypt at the centre of competing visions of its past. Despite the well-documented nature of Egyptâs broad perennial appeal, there is little analysis of the revival and reconstruction of pharaonic religion, which remains unrecognised by Egyptology, or conflated with âmysticâ ârevisionistâ approaches. This doctoral research is undertaken in order to address critically this gap in Egyptological understanding of contemporary reception of pharaonic religion, challenge current conceptions of academic boundary marking, and interrogate notions of heritage and legacy that are framed within Western discourse on the ancient world. Employing a multi-sited ethnographic study, reflective of the medium of its participants, this work contributes an original database of over 40 actors (including key figures, such as temple founders and authors) located within the âKemetic continuumâ of reconstructionist and revivalist practices. It critically examines responses, framing them within the contours of current Egyptological understanding, whilst remaining mindful of institutionalised positivist norms, and the hegemonic, reductionist
profane egyptologists revival reconstruction_ancient egyptian religion range culturally embed interpretation appropriation leave egypt centre compete vision past despite well_documented nature egypt broad perennial appeal little analysis revival reconstruction religion remain unrecognised egyptology conflate mystic revisionist approach doctoral undertaken_order address critically gap egyptological contemporary reception religion challenge_current conception academic boundary marking interrogate notion heritage legacy frame_within western discourse ancient_world employing multi ethnographic_study reflective medium participant work_contributes original database actor include key_figure temple founder author locate_within continuum revivalist practice critically examines response frame_within contour current egyptological whilst remain mindful institutionalised positivist norm hegemonic reductionist