| Summary: | <p>Theoretical approaches for reconstructing social dynamics in ancient Egypt are increasingly being employed by Egyptologists. The motives behind this development are the enlightenment of certain issues that traditional archaeological methods and methodologies cannot provide. One such theory that has not been tested in this context, but has great potential, is communities of practice. The communities of practice methodology includes concepts that can examine how individuals interact with other people, their objects and their environment to learn and produce a practice (as understood by Bourdieu and Giddens). It has considerable potential for illuminating the world of ancient Egypt (as well as other ancient civilizations).</p>
<p>Drawing on two case studies from the Old Kingdom (ca. 2613-2181 bce), this thesis tests a hypothesis that communities of practice theory can be effectively used to illuminate processes of learning, practice, relationship-building and continuity as they relate to administrative sealing. The data for my first case study derives from seal impressions and sealings excavated at Pottery Mound in Heit el-Ghurob, Giza as a means to question whether communities of practice offers ways for understanding small scale sealing practice and daily interactions. The data for my second case study originates from seal impressions and sealings excavated at other sites in Heit el-Ghurob, Gebel el-Quibli, Khentkawes Town and Silo Building Complex on the Giza Plateau. This case study explores how knowledge networks and shared sealing practice work at larger scales. These datasets are analyzed with the communities of practice methodology, as a means to gain new insights into ancient sealing practice and administration.</p>
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