One can imagine many reasons for such delays, the process of publication not being among the most important. When in a seminar Fred Cryer gave his arguments for suspecting that the inscription was not genuine, I felt convinced that doubts were such that this issued needed to be resolved as quickly as possible. Though I do not yet know what if anything the Israel authorities plan to do to resolve these issues, I would like to join Stephen in encouraging all involved to publish clearly what they have found and that this be done without further unnecessary delay. At the same time, the issues are sufficiently mature, that I would also encourage all to avoid any nuance which would suggest bad faith in those with whom we might differ. Let such language have its place in the yellow journalism which reviews our field.
Authenticity is a test and a judgement that needs to be given and taken with all antiquities.
The ancient Egyptians mummified animals as well as humans. Among the many types of animal mummies from Egypt, sacred animals and votive offerings make up a large majority. All sorts of animals were deemed sacred through the long course of Egyptian history. This lecture explores the different animal cults in ancient Egypt. As always, the AJA will publish the bibliographical information for all books received, and will consider for review books on the archaeology and art of Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, Egypt, and the Near East from earliest human occupation to Late Antiquity.