Postcolonial Theory in Egyptology: Key Concepts and Agendas

Abstract

This piece reviews the emerging debate over the ‘decolonization’ of Egyptology and thus sets the frame for the special issue on ‘Postcolonial Theory in Egyptology: Applications, Debates and Potentials.’ The authors contextualize the theme against the backdrop of the status quo of the international relations of archaeology in Egypt and Sudan, before introducing key terms and concepts in postcolonial and decolonial theories to advocate for a more systemized discussion. The review shows that decolonization is a fuzzy concept subject to interpretation and varying implications and outcomes for Egyptology and Nubiology.