Dr. Kerry Muhlestein, Department of Ancient Scripture

With the monies from the MEG granted to me and the BYU Egypt Excavation Project, we were able to accomplish wonderful things. First, we were able to train 4 students in a number of things related to our excavation. All four students received training in how to create and examine textiles. They analyzed under the supervision of experts various ancient textiles in our collection, until they were able to undertake the analysis on their own. They then helped with the first entries into a textile database we are creating. This enabled them to become even more familiar with the examination of textiles, as well as the method of recording and sharing the information thus gleaned. All of this prepared them for an excellent field experience.

We were also able to use the money, along with funding from several other sources, to bring out an osteology expert to train them personally in a 2 day seminar. They were also trained in how to catalogue the finds of an excavation, helping to create an electronic catalogue for some past years‘ excavations. This also helped them to become familiar with our excavation.

These four students also took a course created just for them entitled ―Studies in Egypt and Archaeology‖. This allowed them to become familiar with the larger fields that converge upon our project.

Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met

The objectives of the proposal were exceeded. The students mastered the analysis, recording, and information sharing of textiles enough that they were completely competent in the field.

Evaluation of the mentoring environment

The students worked with 3 ANES professors, 3 textile experts, and 2 osteology experts. The collegiality they gained was one thing they universally spoke of in their reports. The environment of shared responsibility, training and mentoring effused the class they took, the lab work they did, the workshop they attended, and above all, the field experience.

List of students who participated and what academic deliverables they have produced or it is anticipated they will produce

Courtney Innes, Aubrey Brower, Audrey Crandall, and Kim Matheson all participated in two academic presentations on campus. One was at a conference held about the BYU Egypt Excavation project, and one was part of the general Kennedy Center lecture series. They have all contributed to the publication of the 2010 excavation season, which will be published in Annales de l’Egypte.

A summary of how funds were used

The funds were used strictly according to the proposal, with only a few shifts. We felt it was important for them to stay in Egypt longer than we had originally proposed, so more money was fed into their housing and eating in Egypt, and less in research assistant funds. We also involved more students than originally proposed, which also increased the travel costs. Also, because our osteologist was out of the country during the training period, the MEG monies was used, in conjunction with funding from Ancient Scripture, ANES, and Anthropology, to bring an expert in to do an osteological workshop. The MEG paid for the flight and hotel, the other groups paid for food and honorariums and supplies for the workshop.