- Salima Ikram is a highly distinguished Egyptologist, known for her extensive archaeological work and academic achievements, including her education at Cambridge University.
- She has led significant archaeological projects, collaborated with international partners, and made a notable impact on popular media through television appearances and scholarly contributions.
- Ikram’s commitment to education is evident in her lectures, a diverse range of courses, and extensive research interests, making her a trailblazing figure in the field of Egyptology. She holds several prestigious awards and remains the sole female Pakistani archaeologist active in Egypt.
Salima Ikram, a Distinguished University Professor of Egyptology at The American University in Cairo, stands out as a prominent figure in the field of Egyptology.
Her remarkable career has spanned multiple continents, from Turkey to the United States, and her contributions have left an indelible mark on the study of ancient Egypt.
Salima Ikram’s academic journey began at Bryn Mawr College, where she pursued a dual major in history and classical and Near Eastern archaeology. Her time here laid the foundation for her future accomplishments.
Following her undergraduate studies, Ikram continued her pursuit of knowledge at Cambridge University. She earned an M.Phil. in museology and Egyptian archaeology, and subsequently, a PhD in Egyptian archaeology. Her doctoral thesis, ‘Choice Cuts: Meat Production in Ancient Egypt,’ showcased her dedication to deepening our understanding of the ancient Egyptian way of life.
Salima Ikram
Archaeological Ventures
Ikram’s career boasts an impressive array of archaeological projects. Notable among these are the Animal Mummy Project, the North Kharga Darb Ain Amur Survey, and the Valley of the Kings KV10/KV63 Mission. She has also co-directed the Predynastic Gallery Project, leaving a lasting impact on the archaeological landscape.
Ikram’s collaborations extend to international partners, including André Veldmeijer of the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, with whom she worked on the Ancient Egypt Leatherwork Project (AELP). Her extensive involvement in diverse projects showcases her commitment to exploring the mysteries of Egypt’s past.
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Media Presence and Outreach
Beyond her archaeological endeavours, Salima Ikram is a prolific writer and lecturer. Her articles in Egypt Today, National Geographic, and Kmt, a journal of modern Egyptology, have disseminated her research to a wider audience.
Television Appearances Ikram’s engaging presence has graced documentary series and specials on channels like PBS, Channel 4, Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic Channel, Netflix, and the BBC. Her expertise has been featured in over 30 documentaries, including titles like ‘Unearthing Ancient Secrets: Animal Mummies’ and ‘Tomb Raiders: Robbing the Dead.’
Academic Influence
Salima Ikram’s dedication to education is evident through her year-round lectures at conferences, museums, and various global venues. Her diverse range of courses, from Material Culture to Death and Burial in Ancient Egypt, demonstrates her commitment to imparting knowledge.
Ikram’s research interests are wide-ranging, encompassing Funerary Archaeology, Daily Life, Archaeozoology, Rock Art, Cultural Heritage and Museology, Experimental Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, and Bioarchaeology.
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Unique Distinction
Salima Ikram holds a unique distinction as the sole female Pakistani archaeologist actively working in Egypt, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her illustrious career, Ikram has garnered several prestigious awards, including the Excellence in Research Award from The American University in Cairo (2006), the Annual Award in Investigation from the Spanish Geographical Society (2013), and her election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences as an international honorary member in 2017. These accolades underscore her contributions to the world of Egyptology.
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