One of the exciting community outreach projects that the Narrating Nubia project has been working on is the development of a children’s book. This has been a project undertaken by a team of local community members, archaeologists, and a Sudanese-American artist.
On a recent trip to El-Kurru, team members working on the book were able to sit down with community members like Haja Fatima Mohammed Ibrahim. Fatima is one of several storytellers who have contributed to the El-Kurru children’s book. On a beautiful and sunny day, Fatima invited us into her home and spoke with us about the living tradition of leaving gifts for the Banat el-Sheikh (the daughters of the sheikh), spirits who regularly visit a small mound among the ancient ruins (the base of the pyramid in front of the tomb of the Queen Qalhata) and grant wishes. Her story will be an important part of the upcoming children’s book.
Fatima explained that it is usually women who visit Banat el-Sheikh. It is traditional to remove one’s shoes before ascending the mound, out of respect for the spirits. Visitors place gifts in small holes on the mound, sometimes planting flags, and make their wishes. Because this is such a specific place, we decided that it would be great to take some photos for our illustrator. Local team member Anwar Mahjoub borrowed traditional women’s garments, called a Tobe, and some small white flags from his sister. After a quick lesson on how to wrap a Tobe, Collaboratory members Heidi Hilliker and Bailey Franzoi visited mound of the Banat el-Sheikh for a quick photo shoot.
Meeting with Fatima and visiting the site of Banat el-Sheikh was an invaluable experience for our project and will add to the richness of the children’s book.
