Posters will be on display in the AIC Exhibit Hall on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30. Poster authors will be at their poster for a Q&A session on Friday, May 30, at 3:30pm.
Banner photo by Lane Pelovsky, Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
This presentation explores the conservation and interpretation of a significant limestone stela from the Old Kingdom, originally discovered in Saqqara. The stela was initially housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo before being relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) for further study and conservation.
Upon arrival at the GEM, the stela underwent a sensitive cleaning process that revealed intricate inscriptions and images on its surface. Through close collaboration with a museum curator, the inscriptions were carefully translated, leading to the identification of the stela’s owner, a man named Seteh Waab. The stela also features finely carved depictions of Seteh Waab, his wife, and six other men and women, possibly family members, making offerings to the gods.
This project highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in conservation and historical interpretation. The combined efforts of conservators and curators allowed for the unveiling of this stela’s rich narrative, shedding light on the social and religious practices of the Old Kingdom. The conservation process, which preserved both the physical integrity and the detailed inscriptions of the stela, was crucial in bringing this ancient artifact to life.
Now a prominent part of the GEM’s exhibition, the stela of Seteh Waab offers visitors a glimpse into the familial and religious dynamics of ancient Egypt. This presentation will discuss the cleaning and conservation techniques used, the collaborative translation process, and the cultural significance of the stela within the context
