History Major Explores an Ancient Tomb before it’s Revealed to the Public

  • Posted in All University
  • Category: Campus News

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA — On September 15, 2010, the Egyptian Minister of Culture announced the discovery of an Egyptian tomb – a tomb that Hakim Fulmore had explored one month prior to its official publishing, through his Independent Studies course offered at Lincoln University.

Granted permission by archeologist, Dr. Elena Pischikova, and Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Lincoln University History major and Black Studies minor Hakim Fulmore witnessed as a crew uncovered the 25th Dynasty Ancient Egyptian tombs in the Valley of the Nobles in Luxor, Egypt.

Through this premiere, Fulmore observed both published and unpublished work of the Kushite Dynasty. The University scholar surveyed the site, as a team of laborers excavated mounds of limestone and conservators pieced together paintings and carvings.

“This pilgrimage helped my commitment to advance the legacy of Dr. Yosef Ben Jochannan, kemetologist and author,” said Fulmore, president of the Carter G. Woodson Historical Society. “Visiting the tombs gave me a first-hand account that Ancient Kemet (Egypt) was an African civilization. My initial interest in Black History stemmed from the early introduction provided by my parents.

The discovery has a dual significance, serving as the unveiling of the least documented dynasty of ancient Egypt, the 25th Dynasty, as well as it being one of the few Egyptian-American lead discoveries.

Dr. Pischikova stated that the tomb was discovered in the 19th century in an “unstable condition.” After the 1970s, the tomb collapsed and was completely covered by sand. It was unearthed again in 2006.

One of the American members of the excavation team is acclaimed African-American author and historian, Anthony Browder, who financed the excavation of the tomb since 2008, when its funding was in jeopardy. Fulmore was introduced to Browder through his Independent Studies professor, Dr. Zizwe Poe.  After meeting Browder, Fulmore and Poe, along with the rest of Poe’s group, were invited to visit the excavation site.

Dr. Pischikova provided Fulmore with a detailed tour of three Nubian tombs, including the one recently announced.
Fulmore spent a portion of his time with the registry table understanding the process of deciphering and cataloging each find. As part of the purpose for his visit and requirement for the course, Fulmore employed his knowledge gained from workshops, information sessions and on-site instructional laboratories, to engage in dialogue with the crew.

To complete his course requirements, Fulmore will present on the historical value of exploring the primary source artifacts in Egypt and illustrate the connection of his observations to ancient African history.

Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world. Lincoln offers a rigorous liberal arts education to a diverse student body of approximately 2,200 men and women in more than 35 undergraduate and graduate programs.