Gazelles, Catfish and Cows: Ritual Activity in the Predynastic Settlement at el-Mahâsna

In the fall of 2000, extensive excavations within the Predynastic settlement at el-Mahâsna revealed typical domestic structures of the period as well as the remains of what has been interpreted as an early ritual structure. From deposits associated with the structure, a substantial amount of faunal remains were recovered that suggest cultic practices. This lecture will present results of new analyses of these materials as they relate to shedding light on the nature and the timing of rituals performed in the structure.

Dr. David A. Anderson, Associate Professor of Archaeology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology. His primary research focus is the Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods and the formation of the Egyptian state. He is an archaeologist with over 30 years experience conducting archaeological research in the eastern United States and Middle East on both prehistoric and historic sites. He is the Director of the El-Mahâsna Archaeological Project, which is investigating the formation of the ancient Egyptian centralized state and the origins of Egyptian religion and divine kingship. He specializes in the integration of computers and archaeology, utilizing 3D capture, CADD, GIS, Geophysical sensing and database management to facilitate collection and analysis of field results.

See website for parking and other details.