Profane Egyptologists: The Modern Revival of Ancient Egyptian Religion

2017 | History & Politics

It is widely believed that the practice of ancient Egyptian religion ceased with the end of pharaonic culture and the rise of Christianity. However, an organised reconstruction and revival of the authentic practice of Egyptian, or Kemetic religion, employing ancient material and academic resources, has been growing for nearly three-decades, almost undocumented. The existence of competing visions of Egypt questions the position of Egyptology as a gatekeeper of Egypt's past, highlighting the politicised and economic factors driving the discipline's self-conception. Profane Egyptologists antagonises boundaries, promoting inclusive discussion. It marks the first in-depth study of the now-global phenomena of Kemeticism. It highlights key players in their own words, utilising extensive interviews, revealing a continuum of beliefs and practices spanning eight years of community growth. Profane Egyptologists will be of value to scholars and students of Egyptology, religion, phenomenology, and ethnography, as well as Kemetics and devotees of Egyptian culture.

Paul Harrison (Author)