Lecture Notes: George Reisner and the Archaeology of Kush

Introduction to George Reisner

• American archaeologist known for excavating Kushite monuments.
• Active from 1908 to the 1930s.
• Known for establishing a basic chronology of Kush's archaeological periods and its kings.
• His chronology is still in use today.

Excavations and Discoveries

• Reisner conducted his work under very difficult conditions.
• Successfully excavated multiple important Kushite tombs and pyramids.
• Made significant contributions at El Kurru, a royal cemetery site.

Controversial Views and Prejudices

• Despite his achievements, Reisner held prejudiced views about the African people.
• He refused to believe that the ancestors of black Africans could have constructed the pyramids.
• Downplayed the capabilities of Sudanese people in creating monuments.

Misinterpretation of Evidence

• In 1916, discovered black granite statues of Kushite kings.
• Argued that these statues were not accurate representations.
• Suggested that the builders of Kushite monuments were light-skinned foreigners.

Impact of Racial Beliefs

• Reisner's writings reflect his racial biases, describing the Kushites as a mix of Negroid and Egyptian descent.
• Descriptions suggest a belief in racial superiority and inferiority.

Conclusion

• Reisner's work provides insight into both the field of archaeology and the racial attitudes of the time.
• His legacy is complex, highlighting both his pioneering efforts in archaeology and his racial prejudices.

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Note: The lecture sheds light on the historical context of archaeology and the biases that can affect interpretation.