Buying Power: British Archaeology and the Antiquities Market in Egypt and Sudan 1880–1939

Potter, Daniel M

Buying Power: British Archaeology and the Antiquities Market in Egypt and Sudan 1880–1939

Resource type

Lecture

Creator (person)

Potter, Daniel M

Abstract

Where did the ancient Egyptian collections in National Museums Scotland come from? How did they get here? Join Dr Dan Potter to discover the untold stories behind these enduringly popular collections. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries museums and individuals competed to collect the ‘best’ ancient Egyptian objects. This antiquities rush was supplied by innumerable excavations and a booming antiquities market, meaning object provenance was often lost. There are many stories still to be told about these objects and collections. The role of archaeologists in the antiquities market in Egypt and Sudan has often been underplayed or ignored. However, Dr Potter’s research shows that many archaeologists were also involved in the market, as both buyers and sellers. This panel discussion will consider National Museums Scotland’s cutting-edge research exploringâ€¯the entanglement of British, colonial archaeology and the antiquities market and how this has impacted museum collections and displays across the world today.â€¯ Dr Dan Potter will share insights into the buying and selling practices of fourâ€¯archaeologists: Edwin Ward, Charles Trick Currelly, John Garstang and William Matthew Flinders Petrie. Dan will also discuss how the transactions made by these men were perceived financially and ethically, and what that might mean for Egyptology today. This event includes a live Q&A. This event is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in partnership with The Egypt Exploration Society, The World Museum, Liverpool and The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, University College London, London National Museums Scotlandâ€¯is committed to presenting the colonial and imperial histories of its collections in line with rigorous and up-to-date research. Objects related to the archaeologists discussed can be seen in the Ancient Egypt Rediscovered gallery on level 5 of the National Museum of Scotland, and in the Grand Gallery.