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Red Monastery Roundtable - December 2012

Arriving from Cairo after a pre-dawn flight to Sohag, participants start with refreshments in the ancient nave.

The discussion turns to how the paintings will be promoted internationally.

A word of thanks on behalf of the SCA Inspectorate in Sohag.

Alberto Sucato, Technical Director for Conservation of the Red Monastery Project, and the conservation team have restored layers of paintings.

Viewing the nave walls that were part of the original church at the site

Dr. Gillian Pyke, Archaeologist (Red Monastery) and Archaeological Director (White Monastery) describes archaeological remains excavated by an Egyptian team.

ARCE Director, Dr. Gerry Scott, expressed ARCE’s hope that many points of view would be aired that some guidelines might be established that accommodate the aspirations of all those committed to the Red Monastery Church.

The generosity of Father Antonius and the passion of Father Maximous assured the participants felt welcomed and comfortable in the conference environment.

Father Maximous el-Antony of St. Antony’s Monastery in the Eastern Desert is an active advocate for the restoration of Coptic art and churches.

To the northwest of the White Monastery, the SCA archaeologists discovered a tomb chapel, possibly the tomb of St. Shenoute

Technical Director Emiliano Ricchi asks, “When visitors and the faithful come in great numbers…how is possible to educate people to preserve the area?

Addressing the dilemma of how to accommodate the needs of a diverse public dominated the round table discussions.

This round table was funded under a grant with the Council for American Overseas Research Centers with funding from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. State Department

Remains of walls, oil presses, irrigation pipes and systems, food preparation areas and storage jars shed light on the monastic community that once lived at the White Monastery.

The first step inside the church reveals an unexpected and unparalleled riot of color, texture and iconic imagery.

Michael Jones, ARCE Associate Director, introduces Father Antonius of the Red Monastery and convenes the conference.

Mr. Saad Mohamed Osman, General Manager of Antiquities for Sohag (r.) addresses and welcomes visitors and participants.

Mr. Sean Callahan, Acting Deputy Director, USAID traces the history of USAID involvement and funding and expresses hope for the future use and preservation of this extraordinary living monument.

Art historian and project director, Dr. Elizabeth Bolman and conservation architect, Nicholas Warner, provided a historical context for the rich decoration and architectural splendor of the church.

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In early December 2013, an invited group of Egyptian and international architects, archaeologists, conservators, art historians, cultural heritage management specialists and antiquities officials, together with donor agency representatives from USAID and the Coptic church met at the site of the Red Monastery in Sohag, Upper Egypt.

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The International Council of Museums, in an effort to fight against illicit traffic in cultural goods, compiles the Emergency Red List of Egyptian Cultural Objects at Risk. This list aims to help art and heritage professionals and law enforcement officials identify Egyptian objects that are protected by national and international legislations. View the Red List for Egypt .

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The American Research Center in Eygpt

Red Monastery Roundtable - December 2012 Find us

Red Monastery Roundtable - December 2012

Get Involved with ARCE

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF MUSEUMS

Connect with ARCE