We’re really pleased to report that the University of Michigan has released two major newsletters this fall—one from the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and one from the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology (UMMAA)—and both publications spotlight our ongoing work at Jebel Barkal!
OK, that might sound dull and routine, but we strongly suggest you read until the end of this post – we’ve got some pretty exciting news!
Kelsey Museum Newsletter: JBAP and the Fight to Protect Sudanese Heritage
Alongside a short report on JBAP’s April 2025 field season (more on this below), the Fall 2025 Kelsey Museum Newsletter highlights the creation and leadership of the Sudan Cultural Emergency Recovery Fund, spearheaded by JBAP co-director Geoff Emberling. This task force was assembled following the confirmed looting and destruction of the Sudan National Museum in Khartoum, and it includes Sudanese and international experts working together to stabilize collections, repair damaged shelters, and mobilize global support for Sudan’s cultural heritage.
We wrote about this back in July, and you can read more about it on our blog here.
UMMAA Newsletter: Fieldwork at Jebel Barkal Continues Against the Odds
The Fall 2025 UMMAA newsletter (below) also provides a report on JBAP’s April 2025 field season, made possible through the ambitious new Klinsky Expeditions program. Despite the ongoing conflict in Sudan, JBAP was able to continue working in the country, thanks to a model of shared leadership between Sudanese and international archaeologists. As readers will know – and can remind themselves of via our blog – the April season’s work was carried out in the field by Sudanese director Tohamy Abulgasim, with international team members contributing remotely through analysis and logistical support.
In addition to fieldwork updates, the UMMAA newsletter highlights the launch of the Center for Community Archaeology and Heritage (CCAH)—a joint initiative between UMMAA and the Kelsey Museum. Co-directed by Geoff Emberling and Tiffany Fryer, the center aims to support archaeologists who work collaboratively with local and descendant communities around the world. Drawing on experiences from projects in Sudan, Mexico, and the U.S., the center will emphasize long-term relationships, shared decision-making, and heritage practices that benefit the people who live in and around archaeological sites.
A royal pyramid??
Perhaps most importantly, the newsletters report a major breakthrough: JBAP collaborator Pawel Wolf used a combination of drone photography and LiDAR data—collected during a 2023 National Geographic documentary shoot—to produce a new high-resolution model of the site. This analysis revealed what we think is a previously unknown royal tomb, perhaps once topped by a pyramid. Excavation of this newly identified structure is tentatively planned for January 2026, so make sure you stay tuned!
