Deutsch Intern
DFG Centre for Advanced Studies MagEIA

Fellowship Report

As a MagEIA junior fellow at the University of Würzburg, I made significant progress in my research over twelve months. I prepared two publications: “The Solar Bark as a Vehicle of Magic: A Philological and Religious Analysis of Selected Coffin Texts Spells” and “The Eldest Magician between the Coffin Texts and the Amduat: Textual and Ritual Manifestations.” 

The following points outline the principal findings and thematic areas of my research:

  • The Eldest Magician in the Coffin Texts and Amduat: I investigated the theological persona and development of “The Eldest Magician” (Heka-smsw) as represented in the Middle Kingdom Coffin Texts and analyzed its transformation in the New Kingdom Amduat.

  • Magic and the Solar Bark: I examined the roles of the solar bark and its divine crew, with particular attention to how the collective magic of deities such as Isis, Nephthys, Hu, Sia, Heka, and the Eldest Magician is utilized at critical moments to counteract chaos and repel the serpent Apophis. I also investigated the direct interaction between the deceased and the crew of the solar bark in the acquisition and control of magic. In addition to textual commentary, this project provided a significant case study on the application of divine magic (heka) in facilitating the deceased’s cosmic transition.

My research at MagEIA benefited greatly from the project’s interdisciplinary environment. Collaboration with international fellows and specialists enabled me to situate Egyptian magical texts within a broader scholarly context and to make effective use of the research infrastructure at Würzburg. On a personal level, my time at MagEIA has been formative. As my first position following the completion of my PhD, it provided a strong foundation for advancing my academic career. The connections I established broadened my understanding of the diverse fields of ancient magic. MagEIA enabled me to develop my academic skills at the University of Würzburg, explore new research areas, and further enhance my lecturing abilities. I deeply value the time I spent here and the colleagues and friends I met during this period."

Publications

  • (2026) Masks of Immortality: Their Role and Development in Ancient Egypt, International Journal of Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality (IJHTH) 20, 1.
  • (2027) (Forthcoming) The Solar Osirian Unity in a Human’s Face: An Unpublished Cartonnage Mummy Mask in the Ismailia Museum, Journal of Egyptian Archaeology