Egyptian officials have barred a Dutch archaeologist from entering the country following the debut of an exhibition depicting black American singers, comedians, and musicians as ancient Egyptian monarchs.
The Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) in Leiden was criticised by Egyptian officials following the opening of their ‘Kemet’ display.
Kemet, which means “black land,” delves into the ancient civilisation through jazz, soul, and funk music to demonstrate the “importance of ancient Egypt and Nubia in the work of musicians from the African diaspora.”
The exhibition portrays a variety of black American celebrities as well-known ancient Egyptian figures. Beyoncé and Rihanna play Nefertiti, American rapper Nas plays Tutankhamun, and Eddie Murphy plays Ramesses.
However, Dutch scientists have been barred from visiting the Saqqara burial cemetery near Cairo due to depictions that have been described as ‘falsifying history.’
‘The accusation of fabricating history is improper,’ museum director Wim Weijland told the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad. This display has been meticulously crafted.
‘You don’t accuse each other like this as scientists. I want that qualification removed.’
The uproar follows criticism directed by Netflix for choosing black British actress Adele James as Cleopatra.
Despite historical records indicating that Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek, the play has been accused of ‘blackwashing’ after James was cast.
The restriction is a major setback for RMO, which has been working in Sakkara since 1975.
