Alessia Losa

 

The Effects of the Egyptian Lens in Nubian History

 

Abstract: This paper focuses on the origin of the so-called Egyptian Lens applied by Egyptologists in the past, which has induced a biased perception of Nubian history. The unilateral approach of the discipline has enhanced the interpretation from an Egyptocentric perspective of non-Egyptian civilizations in archaeology and history. These have deeply influenced the tendency in portraying Nubian culture as submissive to Egypt. In addition, Western Ideologies have contributed to a forced and spasmodic attention of Egyptian traits when dealing with Nubia, to reinforce the idea of a dominant empire (the Egyptians) detached from the rest of the African continent. Therefore, the colonial influence in Egyptian studies has affected the general overview of African history and ancient African civilizations. Similarly, the misinterpretation of biological and Egyptological studies has caused a reinforcement of theories of racism and discrimination, still evident in depictions of Nubia. In this perspective, the paper will illustrate how the "Egyptianization" of history has caused a series of anachronistic approaches in the current portrayal of Nubia, that have ignored the interconnectedness of ancient cultures and its impact on African heritage.

 

Bio: Alessia Losa was born in Termoli, and raised in Verbania, Italy. Since her childhood, she experienced the artistic and the architectural sphere, leading her to become enthusiastic about conservation and promotion of cultural heritage. During her studies in the artistic school with a major in Architecture and Landscape, she approached art history which inspired her future academic choices. She studied Art, Media, and Cultural Events at IULM University in Milan, graduating with a summa cum laude in 2021. She is currently attending the MA Museum Studies at the University of Amsterdam.