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Dear Editor,
I was pleased to see of Ahmed Kamal mentioned in the latest issue (AE 143). The article states that, after graduating from language school, he failed in his attempt to become the first native archaeologist in the Service des Antiquités: ‘as at that time it was controlled by colonial powers’, but that he succeeded in becoming assistant curator in 1891, and finally joined the Service in 1910. This seems curious because Kamal is arguably most famous for being one of the first Museum staff to enter the Royal Cache tomb.
Who Was Who in Egyptology says that Kamal joined the Antiquities Service: ‘first as Secretary Interpreter, and afterwards as assistant curator of the Museum, from which post he retired in 1914 after 30 years’ service, when he was appointed Hon. Curator’. Thus he was assistant curator from 1884. Kamal excavated sites throughout Egypt and published his findings, chiefly in ASAE (Annales du Service des Antiquités), Cairo. He also takes a leading role in the 1969 Egyptian historical fiction film The Night of Counting the Years – based around the discovery and clearance of the Royal Cache tomb. He died in 1923 aged 72, and his bust is among those on the Mariette memorial outside the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. It would be wonderful to see a biography of Ahmed Kamal, the first Egyptian Egyptologist.
Dylan Bickerstaff
Dear Editor,
I enjoyed the article ‘A cylindrical conundrum’ (AE 143) – I had never seen these objects before. However, not only was there no scale included in the photos, but nor were there any measurements given in the text. It is not the first time I have had this problem… Please include a scale when you are discussing small objects, for the benefit of interested amateurs like me.
Regards,
Clare Stevens
Dear Clare,
I am glad you enjoyed reading about these enigmatic objects. You make a very good point. The dimensions were supplied by the author, and should have been included as part of the caption information provided by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, but due to an oversight these were not published in full. We have reprinted the two images here with captions including measurements. We will ensure a scale or dimensions are included for other small objects featured in the magazine.
J Peter Phillips
Email the Editor: peter@ancientegyptmagazine.com with your comments.
