ARCE DC: Tutankhamun’s Leather: Evidence from the Tomb

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Lecture Information: 

Egypt’s extreme dryness favors the preservation of soft animal tissues such as skin, which archaeologists occasionally find in the form of leather. The condition of ancient leather artifacts is often severely compromised, though, making the work of the conservator particularly challenging. Such was the case with the items that were found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, KV 62.This lecture will discuss the use of leather in ancient Egypt, with a focus on the New Kingdom, and will then explore the various leather objects and related animal products found in KV 62. Insights into the importance of leather as a prized material, and the craftsmanship of the leatherworkers, will be presented through several case studies.

Speaker Bio: 

André J. Veldmeijer studied archaeology at Leiden University in the Netherlands and received his Ph.D. in vertebrate paleontology from Utrecht University, also in the Netherlands. His main interest is the material culture of ancient Egypt and Nubia, with a focus on technology. Veldmeijer has collaborated with various missions in Egypt since 1995 and has worked in museum collections all over the world. He is the director of two ongoing international research projects: The Ancient Egyptian Leatherwork and Footwear Projects, including the Egyptian Museum Chariot Project, and the Tutankhamun’s Sticks and Staves Project (with Salima Ikram). He is also the manager of the Munro Archive Project. For more information about his work, check out this website.