As a result of the opening of an exhibition that presents black American singers, comedians, and musicians as the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Egyptian authorities have prohibited a Dutch archaeologist from entering the nation.
After the opening of their “Kemet” display, the authorities in Cairo denounced the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) in Leiden.
Kemet, which translates to “black land,” uses jazz, soul, and funk music to examine the ancient culture in order to demonstrate the “importance of ancient Egypt and Nubia in the work of musicians from the African diaspora.”
The exhibition features several black American celebrities dressed as well-known ancient Egyptian characters. This features Eddie Murphy as Ramesses, Beyoncé and Rihanna as Nefertiti, and American rapper Nas as Tutankhamun.
However, due to depictions that have been referred to as “falsifying history,” Dutch researchers have been barred from the Saqqara burial place, which is close to Cairo.
Museum Director Wim Weijland told Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad: ‘The accusation of falsifying history is inappropriate. This exhibition has been made with great care.
‘As scientists, you don’t accuse each other like this. I want that qualification to be withdrawn.’
The debate started after Netflix faced criticism for choosing the British actress Adele James, who is black, to play Cleopatra.
Despite historical evidence proving that Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek, the program has been under fire for ‘blackwashing’ allegations since James was cast.
The prohibition is a serious setback for RMO, which has operated in Sakkara since 1975.
