with monument of Ancient Cush in the background.
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Design for Kerma Cultural Centre with monument of Ancient Cush in the background. |
Kindness of Architect Abdalla M. Sabbar |
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Cush |
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In the early 1960s, the High Dam was constructed
near Aswan and the Nubian people had to be evacuated. There are now plans
to build a dam at Kajbar further south along the Nile in the region of
the Third Cataract in the Sudan. An interdisciplinary project in Nubian
archaeology, language and history is now in progress. The project is being conducted
by the Department of Archeology of the University of Khartoum and receives
support from the British Institute in Eastern Africa. It includes archeological
work and a survey of place-names as well as an examination of their potential
as evidence for the reconstruction of history.
How should the results of the Nubian expedition be integrated into the life of the local community? Place-names are a lively topic. Members of Nubian clubs often make a feature of place-names in their quizzes and in word-games designed to help people maintain their Nubian language and explore their past. Place-names provide a link between the older people and their homelands, which they will be obliged to evacuate as a result of flooding. A living museum having links with local schools and community projects has now been envisaged south of the Third Cataract region, and plans for building a cultural centre in the town of Kerma have already been launched by the Sudan. Kerma possesses major archaeological monuments of the historical land of Cush, which was already attested 4000 years ago. The history of Cush is of great interest to the local inhabitants. The Kerma project comprises a museum, a library, a study centre, an auditorium, and even a hotel and shopping centre. What potential is there for using such a centre for the mutual benefit of scholars, local teachers, interested visitors and the local communities?
On the interdisciplinary project in Nubian archaeology, language and history, consult the Internet site of the MAHAS SURVEY. |
For further information please contact herman@nubia.u-net.com |
02 Mar 2000 |