PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE ABYDOS TEMPLE PAPER ARCHIVE PROJECT First season of the joint Egyptian-American mission, 1 April to 30 June

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1 PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE ABYDOS TEMPLE PAPER ARCHIVE PROJECT First season of the joint Egyptian-American mission, 1 April to 30 June Nora Shalaby, Hany Aboelazm, Ayman Damarany, Jessica Kaiser, Mohamed Abul-Yazid, Hazem Salah, Yasser Abdurazik, Zeinab Hashish, Wael Ibrahim, Ahmed Tarek, Fiona Baker, Elizabeth Minor, Rachel Regelein Introduction When a room in the area known as the Slaughterhouse in the Seti I temple in Abydos was reopened for photography by the current investigators in 2013, thousands of archival documents belonging to the Sohag Inspectorate and the broader Egyptian Antiquities Service were found strewn across the floor (Fig. 1). There were reams of records, going back to the late nineteenth century, including correspondence, excavation reports, and survey maps, made long before the landscape around the site took its current form. The documents, mostly in Arabic, were written by employees of the Antiquities Authority from as early as the 1880 s. The significance of this treasure trove was instantly recognized, given its vast potential to enhance our knowledge of not only the modern history of a site with the importance of Abydos, but also other ancient sites further afield. More importantly, and for the first time, the early history of Egyptology could be examined from the viewpoint of the Egyptians who worked at and managed the ancient sites over much of its modern history, rather than through the lens of foreign missions. By making the contents of this archive available to the public, the Abydos Temple Paper Archive Project (ATPA) aims to restore a voice to previously under-represented stakeholders involved in the heritage management of important ancient sites. The targets of the inaugural season of work, which ran for 3 months of this year (April to June), were: to carry out an initial assessment of the contents of the archive and assess its state of preservation; to establish a processing and recording system for the documents; to digitize, transcribe and translate the documents; to build a custom made database for the archive; to establish a safe and convenient storage system, and finally to outline future aims and targets based on the work of the first season. Setting up, first encounter and preliminary sorting The season began at the beginning of April 2017 with the arrival of several team members to Abydos. The slaughterhouse itself was to be our working space, so we furnished one of the rooms with two photography stations, a conservation workspace, numerous shelves for sorting and storage, and several desks and chairs. The archive itself was originally stored in a room adjacent to our workspace, deposited in boxes and sacks that were overflowing with jumbled, tattered and crumpled papers. Our first priority was to move the documents into our workspace, as the room where they were originally stored had several openings in the roof that could not be covered, allowing access to not only the elements, but also local fauna in the form of birds, bats and various insects. Fortunately, only a very small number of documents were damaged beyond repair, and we were able to salvage the vast majority of records. We do not yet have an exact count of the number of documents from this room, but they undoubtedly number in the tens of thousands. 1 The Abydos Temple Paper Archive Project (ATPA) is a joint Egyptian-American mission under the auspices of the Ministry of State for Antiquities and the University of California, Berkeley. This work has been made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Antiquities Endowment Fund administered through the American Research Center in Egypt, and through the kind permission of the Permanent Committee of Egyptian Antiquities. 1

2 Some of the documents had been tied up with string into bundles, which could contain not only individual documents, but also files and ledgers. Though time did not allow us to open every bundle to investigate its contents, it appears the documents in each bundle were tied together for a reason and share something in common. For example, a bundle may consist of all the records amassed by a specific antiquities inspector during his or her career. Similarly, files inside the bundles could also contain related documents. One example is a file comprising the monthly inspection reports for carried out by Dorothy Eady, better known as Omm Seti. Another example is the index file, which contained lists of all the case numbers assigned to different topics in the archives. This file in particular proved to be of enormous importance, since it allows us to relate different documents even when the relationship between them may not be obvious based on the contents of the document itself. Finally, the ledgers which could be part of a bundle with other documents, or tied up several ledgers together recorded every document, request or letter coming in to, or being sent from, a specific inspectorate. Though the ledger entries do not provide much detail for each record, they provide an overview of the day-to-day working of the inspectorate. Further, since the case numbers are included, we can not only deduce the general topic of each entry, but also connect the entries with the physical documents, when they exist. The focus of our first season was not the bundles, however, but the loose paper (Fig. 2) strewn on the floor, as this was the part of the archive most in need of conservation. In contrast to the bundles of files and papers that were tied together, these documents were completely jumbled and not grouped together by topic or date in any way. For the preliminary sorting process, the entire team participated in an initial categorization of the plethora of documents, organising them as best as possible by subject matter. For example, maps were gathered together, ledgers placed in another pile, while correspondence related to ghafeer inspection reports, encroachments on antiquities land and foreign missions were shelved separately. Following the initial two weeks of preliminary sorting, we were able to identify the broad topics and the kinds of information we could expect to find in the archive, and which allowed us to design a more systematic recording and processing system that we would follow for the next two and a half months. Recording and processing system With the adjacent room emptied and the rough categorization of the different types of documents in place, most of the documents in the archive could then be shelved in individual piles in our workspace. Next, priority documents from the different batches were retrieved from the piles and taken through the processing system. These priority documents satisfied a number of criteria, including for example (but not limited to) documents that were relatively early in date, mention a person of significance, and/or document an important historical event or occurrence. The processing of the documents proceeded as follows: 1. Assignment of catalogue, ledger, file, bundle or drawing number The first step in the processing system was to assign a number to every document depending on which category it fell into. Our main consideration when assigning numbers were to enable searching for specific details (e.g. topics, persons, places or dates) in the archive, while preserving both the physical and thematic context in which the documents were found. This necessitated assigning a hierarchy of numbers, since documents found together in a file could have been written on different dates and mention different sites, even though they were related to the same topic. Thus, all separate papers were given a catalogue number (C), while ledgers, which consisted of a book of entries, were given a ledger number (L). The entries within the ledgers were then given separate catalogue numbers. Illustrations, maps, sketches, squeezes (Fig. 3) and other forms of drawings were each given drawing numbers (D). Files, which consisted of separate documents grouped together by a pin or string, were given a file number 2

3 (F) for the entire file and unique catalogue numbers for all the individual papers forming the file. Bundles, which could contain an assortment of both papers, ledgers, maps and files, were given a bundle number (B) and catalogue numbers for the individual documents contained within it. The loose jumbled documents and files strewn on the floor of the storage were all assigned to Bundle 0. Logs with consecutive sequences of numbers were created for each type of document, so that unique numbers could be signed out and duplication avoided. These numbers stayed with the document throughout the entire processing system. Preprinted recording sheets were created for each document type (C, L, F, B, D) and filed in a simple cardboard folder together with the document. The unique number would then be written on the cover of the folder, which was then placed in the to be photographed box. At the end of the season, over 6000 catalogue numbers had been assigned, in addition to 10 ledger numbers and 26 drawing/map numbers. 2. Pre-conservation photography Following the allocation of a unique number, each document was then digitized through photographic documentation, using a Nikon D810 camera and a 60mm lens, with a scale placed in each photo. When digitizing maps, photos were obtained using a 24mm tilt-shift lens, to minimize distortion. The front and back of the document were both photographed and given numbers in the photo registry, written alongside its unique catalogue (or bundle-, file-, ledger-, or drawing-) number. Since many of the documents were very fragile, this initial stage of documentation was carried out without any attempt to unfold the document if it was crumpled (Fig. 4). 3. Conservation Two conservators with experience in paper conservation were working full-time with the project. Following initial photographic documentation, they undertook an preliminary assessment of the document, which was recorded on a conservation recording sheet. Subsequently, the ink on the paper was tested to determine its stability, and mechanical and chemical cleaning of the document was undertaken (Fig. 5). The ink was then fixed using different types of materials and the paper flattened, consolidated and lined. It was then ready to be mounted and stored using acid-free files and acid-free tissue paper. By the end of the season, 443 documents had been conserved, including squeezes, maps, loose papers and ledgers. All of the conserved documents were placed in acid-free boxes for safe storage. 4. Post-conservation photography Unless a document remained unchanged following conservation (given its relatively good condition) it was photographed a second time, to record the new state of the document and any new information that had been revealed following the document s restoration. Again, both front and back of the document were photographed and photo numbers recorded in the photo registry. 5. Translation The next step was translation, which started with transcribing the in many cases handwritten documents, so as to create a searchable digital copy. Not surprisingly, the majority of the documents were in Arabic, in which case they were translated to English. However, there were also documents originally written in English, French and German. These documents were instead translated to Arabic. 6. Database design and data entry 3

4 A custom made Filemaker database was designed specifically for the needs of the Abydos archive. The database tables relate to each other by means of the unique registry number assigned to each document. Documents can subsequently be grouped by either the bundle or file in which they were found, or by any other attributes. The ultimate aim of the database is to allow for easy searches of specific topics, themes, areas and/or people mentioned in the various documents, which can then be printed as thematic reports covering different aspects of the archive. Each document type has a specific layout within the database, serving as a front-end for the several related tables that make up the database proper. For instance, the catalogue layout includes information such as date of the document, areas/regions, names, titles, and institutes mentioned in addition to a general description. Attributes of the document itself were also recorded, including but not limited to the type, color and number of handwriting(s), the type of paper used, stamp impressions and whether or not the document had been reused. Additional layouts were created for translations, transcriptions, and photos, as well as details of the conservation process. Buttons on each layout allows for easy navigation through the database. The opening layout of the database is the Bundle Form (Fig. 6). From this layout, it is possible to create new records for any document type. The Bundle Form also provides an overview of the contents of each bundle, with scrollable lists of all the documents, ledgers and files contained within it. It is also possible to navigate to individual records in the lists by clicking the icon to the right of each entry. To enable data entry by more than one team member at once, the project computer housing the database was set up as a server. This enabled us to connect up to five personal computers and ipads to the main database at the same time, and greatly sped up the data entry process. By the end of the season, there were a total of 541 catalogue records, 20 drawing records, 6 map records, 10 files, and two bundle entries in the database. 7. Storage Storage is one of the most important steps in the archival processing system. To protect the documents from any immediate or long-term damage and allow them to be preserved for future generations, conserved documents were placed in acid-free boxes on the custom designed aluminum shelves installed in our workspace. Documents still awaiting conservation are as a temporary measure also shelved, and covered with a protective layer of plastic to keep bat guana and vermin from contaminating them. These documents were also sprayed to protect them from silverfish infestation, and will continue to be inspected at least once a month until the next season. Website and public outreach Finally, an important part of our project involved the creation and management of the Abydos Temple Paper Archive website ( In addition to a static page that offers a summary of the project and it aims and a list of team members and project supporters, there is a page devoted to regular blog posts that provide up-to-date information about our ongoing work. The blog, which invites questions or comments, allows us to engage with the public and to share our latest research with the global community. We are also managing other social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, to increase our public outreach through continuing updates of project results. Stories from the Archive What has become clear from three months of detailed study of the Abydos archive is that it is 4

5 a window into the untold stories and histories of the hundreds of Egyptian inspectors, excavators, bureaucrats and guards that were working for or connected to the Antiquities Service during the formative years of Egyptology. The range of documents at our disposal, originally prepared or administered by the Egyptian Antiquities Service, discuss diverse and distinct topics (Fig. 7) that fall under a number of broad categories: official letters of correspondence between different inspectorates, administrations or ministries; unofficial letters from guards (ghofora) or employees of the Ministry of Antiquities that take the form of notifications or complaints; circulars and memos with new and updated guidelines and instructions for employees, especially during times of war, hardship or political change; diaries of Egyptian inspectors who were excavating or monitoring archaeological sites; official permits to remove sebakh from archaeological sites or to sell antiquities; personnel records and files on Egyptian scholars and the work that contributed to the advancement of the field of Egyptology. For example, early office ledgers of the inspectorates give us insight into the ways in which Egyptians were managing, documenting, protecting and researching the sites. There are entries that document the confiscation of stolen artifacts, the trespassing on antiquities land, and the arguments that took place between ghafeers and omdas of a village. The circulars issued by the Antiquities Authority at different points throughout the 20th century represent the history of heritage management and tell us a great deal about the changing political and socio-historical context in which the Antiquities Service managed the historic environment. These are only some of the stories that have thus far been uncovered in the Abydos archive, with the potential to uncover much more. Future goals Our preliminary results during the first season of work have revealed a truly fascinating archive, that holds an incredible amount of information in avenues of research that have thus far been unexplored. We are aiming to continue work on the archive in future seasons, enhancing our system of recording and cataloguing, entering thousands of more records into the database and creating a more suitable and sustainable storage system for this rare trove of documents. We have also taken steps to collaborate with other archival projects related to the early years of Egyptology, and are hoping to arrange a workshop on the subject this spring, pending funding approval. Because of the unique perspective of the Abydos material, which highlights the contributions of indigenous archaeologists to a larger extent than many other historical archives, the contents of the ATPA has the potential to alter the current narrative of Egyptology s history. Ultimately, we endeavor to make this information available to researchers and scholars worldwide. 2 2 For the success of the first season, the team is grateful to Dr. Khalid El-Enany, the Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Mostafa Amin, Secretary-General of Antiquities, Dr. Mahmoud Afifi and Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, past and current Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector and Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Head of the Permanent Committee. In Sohag we are deeply indebted to Mr. Gamal Abd el-nasser, General Director of Sohag Antiquities and to Mr. Talaat Fawzy, Head of Excavations and Missions. The work would not have been possible without the help and support of Mr. Ashraf Okasha, Head of the Balyana Inspectorate. The team is also grateful to the inspectors of the project, Mr. Hany Abdel-Halim, Mr. Mahmoud Abu Zaid, Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Rady, Mr. Ahmed Abdel-Qader and Mrs. Mushira Hammad Jalal for their fruitful co-operation and participation. We would like to thank our trainees Mona Abdel-Wadood, Gehan Shehata, Amal Omara, Nora Soliman, Alaa T. Shams el-deen, Sherine Hasaneen for their tremendous help and interest in advancing the work. Thanks are also due to Haj Aziza Sayed Hassan, Mr. Mohamed Gamal Saad el-deen, Mr. El-Sayed El-Hakim, Dr. Matthew Adams, Mohamed Naguib, Reham Mohamed and Travis Regelein. From the Seti temple we would like to thank Ahmed Abul-Tabl, Gamal Abdullah, Ahmed Hassaan, Talaat El-Sayed, Dahshur Abul-Ela and Ghazal M. Abdel-Hady. 5

6 Figure 1. The archive as initially found. 6

7 Figure 1: Examples of various early 20th century documents from the archive, both in Arabic and English. 7

8 Figure 3: An example of a squeeze found in the archive. 8

9 Figure 4: Crumpled paper in need of conservation. 9

10 Figure 5: A paper document before and after conservation. 10

11 Figure 6: The opening layout of the ATPA database. 11

12 Figure 7: A sketch of A. Calverley s dig-house along with a description in Arabic. 12