Egyptian archaeologists deepen their expertise on human osteoarchaeology in Leiden
The Leiden Faculty of Archaeology is an institution of international renown. Frequently, researchers from other places of learning visit the faculty to broaden and deepen their own expertise. Currently, the Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology is hosting two scholars from Egypt, Samar Abudahab and Dr Samar Elkhamisy, made possible by a grant from the NINO. Osteoarchaeologist Dr Sarah Schrader has welcomed them. ‘I thoroughly enjoy hosting Samar and Samar for their study trip.’
Advanced training
Samar Abudahab is a bioarchaeologist at the west delta and northern cost scientific training center and a field trainer for Egyptian inspectors in the general field schools held by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. 'Since I was an excavator, I have some expertise as a bioarchaeologist, but I need advanced training to enhance my work,’ she explains. ‘Back in 2017 I followed the Leiden MOOC the Truth in Our Bones online, and I wanted to visit the Faculty of Archaeology itself. The NINO brought me in contact with Dr Sarah Schrader, and she graciously accepted to support our visit.’
Dr Samar Elkhamisy explains. 'I work at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo under the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and I have participated in several excavations and projects there. The Egyptian museums, stores, and archaeological sites possess a wealth of human skeletal materials, and my visit to the Bio-Archaeology Lab in Leiden was part of my ongoing research to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific techniques and methodologies used in the study of human remains. Additionally, the training provided by Professor Sarah was integral to this visit and offered me valuable insights into the field.'
Making the most of the time
Sarah Schrader has welcomed the Egyptian researchers with open arms. ‘Unfortunately, Egypt does not offer advanced training or MSc programmes in osteoarchaeology, which means that researchers like Samar and Samar have to pursue self-study and take the initiative to train themselves,’ she notes. ‘They have come to Leiden eager to learn everything they can about bones."
Hence, the Egyptian researchers can be found daily in the Laboratory for Human Osteoarchaeology. Their stay, from November 5 to 30, was made possible by a grant from the NINO. ‘They have joined the MSc course in Osteoarchaeology;’ Schrader sums up. ‘We have met with the curators of Egypt and Nubia at the RMO; we’ve also coordinated with the director of the NINO and attended NINO events. They have been very busy since they arrived in Leiden, but I think they have made the most of their time and have truly enjoyed it. I know I have!’
Essential insights
'Thanks to Sarah, PhD students, and the lab assistant, I had comprehensive essential insights into bio-archaeology,' Elkhamisy notes. 'Doctor Sarah has been incredibly supportive, and attending the course with Master’s degree students on Osteoarchaeology was invaluable. We developed practical skills, such as identifying paleopathology in bones. The training by Doctor Sarah provided an excellent opportunity to explore the latest advancements in the analysis of human remains and how these can complement my ongoing research projects, enriching my practical expertise and enhancing my theoretical knowledge. It equipped me with tools to analyze and interpret human remains effectively.'
With their enhanced knowledge, the scholars will further improve the field of osteoarchaeological studies in Egypt. 'I appreciate the PhD students, and the lab assistant; this will help me in my work in the archaeological training center. I'm going to give lectures in osteology, and I am happy to be able to give updated lessons on the topic,’ Abudahab states.
Elkhamisy is looking forward to helping her colleagues and friends back in Egypt. ‘The insights that I gained will help me in my ongoing research.'
Coming back
Both archaeologists are grateful towards Sarah Schrader for her hospitality, as well as the NINO and Stichting Mehen for their funding. ‘We hope to return to continue our studies, as we only had a limited time to learn everything. We would like to come back for further training!'