About me
I am an archaeologist, dress anthropologist and heritage specialist. Over the last thirty years I have worked on several excavations in Egypt (at present at Tell el-Amarna) and the Netherlands on sites ranging from the Neolithic period to the Late Middle Ages, and have curated museum exhibits both in the Netherlands and in Egypt. For my studies at Leiden University (NL) I have received a master degree in Egyptian archaeology (1998).
At present I study ancient Egyptian hairstyles from Tell el-Amarna, Egypt, as part of my PhD research. My other archaeological research field comprises archaeological beadwork analysis. Over the years my career has shifted from mainly archaeology to a combination with more recent cultural heritage and its social implications. As dress anthropologist, I study contemporary costume and personal adornment (the combination of dress, body augmentation and scent, veils, jewelry and amulets).
As a heritage consultant I research the economic and social values of heritage in new (spatial) developments and the management of archaeological sites. I have conducted research on the relationship between heritage, environment and tourism, archaeological risk and site management, and policy making (both in Egypt and in the Netherlands). The protection of archaeological sites from detrimental effects by visitors, waste accumulation and industrial pollution have been main subjects of interest. Because of these subjects, my focus has also shifted towards the ‘Archaeology of the Now’ or Garbology, and - eventually - marine litter.
Drs Jolanda E.M.F. Bos
ARCHAEOLOGIST | DRESS ANTHROPOLOGIST | HERITAGE SPECIALIST
WEARABLE HERITAGE
2020-present
Leiden University, faculty of humanities, the Netherlands
HAIR OF THE DEAD - PHD CANDIDATE
I study the technological, social and religious interpretation of hairstyles from the non-elite cemeteries of Tell el-Amarna, Egypt. My aim is to understand the manner in which the inhabitants of the ancient city prepared their dead for the afterlife, and the role hair and hair treatment played. The Tell el-Amarna hair reflects social stature, personhood and identity, as well as ritual practices and funerary beliefs in New Kingdom Egypt and the ancient city Akhet-Aton in particular. This study fits in with an international focus on private religion, gender and identity studies
2015-present
the Egyptian Bead Project
BEADWORK RESEARCHER
Conducting beadwork analysis, project initiator and editor. For this project I have done research in various international museums (i.e. Petrie Museum London, Neues Museum Berlin). The project will result in a series of publications on beads
2012-present
Tell el-Amarna Project
HUMAN HAIR SPECIALIST
Studying the human hair remains of the different cemeteries at Tell el-Amarna, Egypt
2006-present
Dutch Police Academy
SPECIALIST - DESKUNDIGHEIDSMAKELAAR
I am listed as a national specialist on costume, veils, hairstyles and jewelry from the West Asian and North African region and can be consulted for forensic research
1999-present
Independent Researcher
WEARABLE HERITAGE
Studying contemporary jewelry, veils, face and hair related items, decoration and costume in the West Asian and North African region
1999-present
Independent Researcher
BEADWORK SPECIALIST
Beadwork analysis and bead studies from archaeological contexts. Research topics: ancient headdresses and other beaded artefacts. I study museum collections and conduct beadwork analysis at archaeological field expeditions in Egypt
1999-Present
(Guest) curator & consultant
HERITAGE SPECIALIST
Over the years I have worked on various exhibitions on wearable heritage in different museums (National Museum of Antiquities Leiden NL, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam NL, Pieterskerk Leiden NL, National Museum of Ethnology Leiden NL, Teylers Museum Haarlem NL, Markiezenhof Bergen op Zoom NL) and visitor centers on sites in Egypt (Beyt Sobek Karanis EG, Beyt Ababda Wadi Gamal EG)
2002-2006
EDAPP (Eastern Desert Antiquities Preservation Project)
ETHNOGRAPHIC WORK
Analyzing and describing Ababda cultural heritage in the Egyptian Eastern Desert on costume and related subjects
1994-1998
Textile Research Centre, National Museum of Antiquities
ARCHAEOLOGICAL BEADWORK RESEARCHER
Beadwork research and experimental research on beading techniques from Pharaonic Egypt in general and more specific, the artefacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun
PUBLISHING & WRITING
2015-2017
Master's Degree
LAW SCHOOL
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2012-2014
Bachelor's Degree
UNIVERSITY
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2007-2010
High School Diploma
HIGH SCHOOL
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2012-Present
Blkvld Uitgevers - Publishers
STORYTELLER, WRITER, BOOK EDITOR & CO-OWNER
At BLKVLD Publishers I am a book editor, production manager, writer and co-publisher
2017-Present
Métier Magazine
WRITER AND COPY EDITOR
At BLKVLD I co-produce Métier Magazine, a Dutch quarterly on arts, crafts, materials and techniques. I am a contributing author, am on the editorial board and organize the marketing
2009-Present
Idependent Researcher & Author
RESEARCHER AND WRITER
Books and booklets on various subjects: Dutch archaeology, contemporary jewelry, costume and dress
1999-Present
Idependent Writer for Popular Science Magazines
CULTURAL WRITER
Between 1999 and the present, I have written over 100 articles (not listed here) in popular science magazines on various subjects such as archaeology, contemporary jewelry, veils, head ornaments, hair and related objects, amulets from the West Asian and North African region and heritage in general. I have written for Dutch and international magazines like Métier Magazine, Tibale Kunst en Cultuur, RAWI, Handwerken zonder Grenzen, Archeologie Magazine, ArcheoBrief, Vitruvius, Kunst en Wetenschap, Ornament, Adornment, Ethnic Jewels Magazine and Handeye, Zay Initiative and various other online blogs. For my academic publications and books please have a look at Books & Articles.
2006-2007
Archeobrief, Foundation of Dutch Archaeology; Kluwer Heritage Online Magazine
COPY EDITOR
Member of the editorial board of various magazines on the subject of Dutch archaeology and heritage
For more titles and publications, please see Books and Articles
HERITAGE, VALUE, BRANDING
2012-Present
BLKVLD&Bos
ARCHAEOLOGIST & HERITAGE SPECIALIST
BLKVLD&Bos develops heritage policies, heritage strategies and conducts risk assessments for heritage sites. The Economy of Meaning is an important stimulant for embedding heritage in new developmernts and place branding. Between 2020-2021 I conducted a study into the impact of the development of sustainable energy installations on the Dutch archaeological record, for the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.
2016-2019
2010-2012
The Missing Link
CONSULTANT & MARKETING MANAGER
Senior heritage consultant at The Missing Link, a heritage consultancy specialized in effective and sustainable heritage management
2008-2010
the ReCollective
MANAGING DIRECTOR & HERITAGE SPECIALIST
the ReCollective is a product group of The Missing Link. tRC aims to be the inspirator for heritage experience and place branding
2003-2008
ArcheoLogic - Past2Present
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT
Archaeological project management, design, heritage policy and the implementation of heritage policy in municipal legislation
2008
University of Bologna (Italy)
ARCHAIA PROGRAMME
Training Seminars on Research Planning, Characterisation,
Conservation and Management in Archaeological Sites
2001-2003
VleuGel Project, Cultural Heritage Agency
CONTRACT MANAGER
Quality control and contract manager for several archaeological excavations in the large infrastructural project Vleuten-Geldermalsen
1994-2002
Berenike Project, University of Delaware & Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, NL
FIELD ARCHAEOLOGIST
Seasonal fieldwork for the excavations in the south of Egypt, and research and subsequent publication of the amphora stoppers and seals
2001-2003
Projectgroep Archeologie Betuweroute & HSL
CONTRACT MANAGER
Quality control and contract manager for several archaeological excavations in large infrastructural projects
MARINE LITTER
Garbologist
2012-Present
Researching depositional processes, accumulation and sedimentation of marine debris on beaches; means of transport of human waste and the degradation of plastics in the marine and coastal environment
North Sea Beachcombing
2011-Present
Facebook community reporting on beach finds and marine debris at the North Sea coastal zones, from an archaeological point of view. We list finds, discuss provenance, accumulation and more generally we promote the reduction of (single use) plastics
‘Expert Track’ of the UNEP Massive Open Online Course on Marine Litter 2015
End paper: "Action Plan Effective Beach Cleanups Zandvoort, the Netherlands"
Ambassadorship - 5Gyres
2016 - present
Part of a global network of supporters to take action against plastic pollution in the marine environment. As a 5Gyres Ambassador I am raising awareness on the effects of marine debris on marine wildlife and our Dutch coasts. I organize lectures, write articles and consult on the reduction of (single use) plastics in our every day environment
PROJECTS
The redesign of Beyt Sobek visitor center
I have advized in the concept design, the experience of future visitors, and consulted on sustainability for the design of the visitor center Beyt Sobek near the ancient site of Karanis. I have also consulted in the restauration of the monumental excavation house for the future use as a museum. Educating and engaging the local community was an important project aspect
2009-2011
Museum presentation of Beyt Ababda visitor center
For the development of the Ababda visitor center in Wadi Gamal National Park, Egypt, I have conducted ethnographic work and advized on the presentation of the objects in the museum cases. In 2006 she was part of a group of specialists who intalled the exhibition in the visitor center. I have also worked on the engagement with the local community, which was an important aspect of this project
1999-2006
Exhibition "Charming" National Museum of Antiquities
In 2009 I was one of the guest curators of the exhibition 'Charming' in the National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden, the Netherlands. Over 40 objects of the Wearable Heritage collection were on display there as part of a larger exhibition theme on Magic in Egypt
2010-2011
The use of heritage in urban development
Project Waterfront Development in small and medium size cities. With The Missing Link, I consulted on the use of heritage in public space for the revitalisation of industrial city areas. This was done for the project Revitalization of Old Industry Ports. The project resulted in a handbook and a film
2011-2013
Specialist and consultant Portico
PORTICO (Interreg IVB NWE) is a cooperative project of 4 European cities to make heritage visible by developing new methods, techniques and ways of thinking about urban development. In this project I helped develop a Code of Practice realized by the Master Class organized by the PORTICO project in 2010, while I was working for The Missing Link.
2010-2012
Landscape management project Fayum North Shore
Together with UCLA, I developed a landscape management program for the Fayum North Shore (Egypt). Sites in the area range from the Neolithic period to the Greco-Roman site of Karanis. We have done risk-assessments, worked on regulations for preserving archaeological remains in situ, research agenda’s and a visitor management plan
2003-2012
Heritage Clinics
In 2015 Heritage Clinics was started, a private initiative giving talks and workshops on different aspects of heritage with a very practical element. In these clinics the public participates in heritage research or workshops. I am one of the clinic masters, lecturing on Egyptian heritage, archaeology and Marine Litter. www.erfgoedclinics.nl
2015 - present
Archaeological consultation N23 Westfrisiaweg (NL)
Heijmans is constructing the Westfrisia road in the northern part of the Netherlands. With this infrastructural project over ten (mostly Bronze Age) archaeological sites were in danger. I advized Heijmans on the necessary archaeological research, conducted risk assessments and organized the different excavations.
2012 - 2018
Ambassadorship 5 Gyres
I am a Dutch ambassador for the 5 Gyres Institute, based in the U.S.A.
5 Gyres is a community that fights ocean plastic pollution through education, science and activism. The Ambassadors are educated and empowered by 5 Gyres’ global network to take action against plastic pollution within their local communities
2016 - present
LECTURING & TEACHING
2021
ARCHON, the Dutch inter-university research and graduate school for archaeology
ARCHON WORKSHOP SCIENTIFIC WRITING FOR A POPULAR AUDIENCE
For PhD students and Research Master students of the participating institutions (the University's of Amsterdam [UvA and VU], Groningen [RUG], Leiden [UL] and the State Service for Cultural Heritage [RCE])
2017-2020
Archaeological Site Management courses for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
LECTURER EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE MANAGEMENT
Developing educational programm & teaching archaeological site management at the Reinwardt Academy
2015-Present
Heritage Clinics
LECTURER ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE
Owner of Heritage Clinics and lecturer on heritage and archaeology
2004-Present
Dissemination at conferences
SPEAKER ON ARCHAEOLOGY & HERITAGE
Oral and paper presentations at international conferences and seminars (i.e. several conferences at the ENAME Centre, Belgium; Preserving Archaeological Remains In Situ 3 - Amsterdam; Heritage and Tourism in the West Asian and North African region - Amman, Jordan, Fayum Landscape Archaeology - Medinet Fayum, Egypt)
2000-Present
Several (private) institutions
LECTURER ARCHAEOLOGY & RELATED SUBJECTS
Lecturer on heritage and archaeology at several (private) institutions, for instance the Free University of Amsterdam
2012-2014
The Amarna Project
LECTURER ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDSCHOOL
Incidental lectures on the mummy hair project for the Bioarchaeological fieldschool of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Amarna Project, Egypt
2010-2012
Associate Professorship Visitor Studies, Breda University of Applied Sciences
TEACHER & RESEARCHER
Researching the relationship between heritage and tourism, teaching classes in the minor ‘Heritage and Tourism’. Using visitor management as a strategy to mitigate site pollution and generate the desired effects of visitor flows on archaeological remains
2009-2011
Fayum North Shore Project, University of California Los Angeles,
LECTURER & SPECIALIST
Site and landscape management for the combined fieldschool of UCLA and the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egypt
BOOKS & ARTICLES
Books and booklets
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (forthcoming in 2023). Wearing the thaler. The Maria Theresa Thaler in jewelry and dress. Private collection series. BLKVLD Publishers.
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Hense, M. and Bos J.E.M.F. (2022). A Tomb Robbers' Trail Revealed. Cold Case KV62. BLKVLD Publishers (also published in Dutch).
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2022). Site by Site. An Introductory Guide to Archaeological Site Management in Egypt. BLKVLD Publishers.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2022). Panorama Landschap. BLKVLD Publishers & Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2022). Meesterwerk Nederlands Landschap. BLKVLD Publishers & Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2021). Vruchtbaar Laagland, het landschap van Noord-Holland door de eeuwen heen. Noord-Holland.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2020). Het raadsel van Hilde, zoektocht naar een intrigerende vrouw. Provincie Noord-Holland.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2019). Paint it, Black. A Biography of Kohl Containers. BLKVLD Publishers.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2019). Vier op een Rij. De tweede Beemster molen uit de Draaioordergang. Provincie Noord-Holland.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. and S.M. van Roode (2018). Landschap vol Leven. De archeologie van de Westfrisiaweg. BLKVLD Publishers.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2017). Objects of the Day. BLKVLD Publishers.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2016). Egypt’s Wearable Heritage. BLKVLD Publishers.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. and S.M. van Roode (2012). Raadsels van Vierpolders, bewoning in de jaren 100-150 na Christus. Gemeente Brielle.
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Bos, J.E.M.F., et al. (2010). Reverse Archaeology, van registreren naar regisseren. Woerden, The Missing Link.
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Roode, S.M. v., J.E.M.F. Bos, met bijdragen van D. Bente (2006). Thuis op de Gerner Marke. Dalfsen.
Academic publications & research reports
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Stevens, Anna (et al) (forthcoming) “Tell el-Amarna, autumn 2020 to autumn 2021.” The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology.
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Bos, J. (2021). “Hairstyles at Akhetaten.” In: Stevens, A. et al. Amarna: A Guide to the Ancient City of Akhetaten. The American University in Cairo Press.
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Bos, J. and V. Davies (2020). “Analysis of Beads and Pendants.” In: V. Davies. The Phoebe A. Hearst Expedition to Naga ed-Deir, Cemeteries N 2000 and N 2500. Brill.
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Stevens, Anna (et al) (2020) “Tell el-Amarna, autumn 2018 and autumn 2019.” The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 106(1-2) 3–15.
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Stevens, Anna, Corina E. Rogge, Jolanda E.M.F. Bos and Gretchen R. Dabbs, (2019). “From representation to reality: ancient Egyptian wax head cones from Amarna.” Antiquity 93(372): 1515-1533.
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Veldmeijer, A.J. and J. Bos (2019). “Beads.” In: Sabbahy, L.K. All Things Ancient Egypt: An Encyclopedia of the Ancient Egyptian World. Greenwood.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2019). Paint it, Black, a biography of kohl containers, BLKVLD Publishers.
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Stevens, Anna (et al) (2019) “Tell el-Amarna, autumn 2017 and spring 2018.” The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 104(2): 1–24.
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Stevens, Anna (et al) (2020) “Tell el-Amarna, Autumn 2017 and Spring 2018.” The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2017). The Tutankhamun beadwork, an introduction to archaeological beadwork analysis. in: Not Just for Show: The Archaeology of Beads, Beadwork and Personal Ornaments, D. Bar-Yosef. Oxbow books.
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Barnard, H., et al. (2016). “The preservation of exposed mudbrick architecture in Karanis (Kom Aushim), Egypt.” Journal of Field Archaeology 41(1): 84-100.
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Kemp, B. (part by J. Bos) (2014). “Tell el-Amarna, 2014.” Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 100: 1-33.
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Kemp, B. (part by J. Bos) (2013). “Tell el-Amarna, 2012-13.” Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 99: 1-34.
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Goudswaard, B., et al. (2012). “Balancing goals: a Dutch method on how to stimulate private-public co-operation in ‘Reverse Heritage’ management.” Portico June 2012: 9-17.
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Pape, H. and J.E.M.F. Bos (2012). “Forward with Reverse Archaeology.” Heritage & Society 5(1).
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Goudswaard, B., et al. (2012). “Reverse Heritage.” Heritage & Society 5(1).
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Bos, J.E.M.F. and E. Ennen (2011). "Analyzing Connection, Experience and Enticement of Visitors to the Fayum North Shore of Egypt." In: Conservation of Architecture, Urban Areas, Nature & Landscape: Towards a Sustainable Survival of Cultural Landscape Amman, Jordan, The center for the study of architecture in the Arab region.
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Fonds, T., et al. (2011). Maritiem Erfgoed. Revitalisering met behoud van erfgoed: bezint eer ge begint! in: Handboek voor waterfrontontwikkeling in kleine en middelgrote steden. Antwerpen, Revitalisering Oude Industriehavens: 84-101.
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Bos, J.E.M.F., et al. (2010). “Heeft archeologie de toeristische boot gemist?” Vrijetijdsstudies 28(2): 23-32.
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Goudswaard, B., et al. (2010). “Tracking the past: archaeological heritage management.” Netlipse December 2010(8): 6-8.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2009). Visitor strategy document ancient landscapes. Woerden, the ReCollective and UCLA.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2008). A management strategy for Karanis, the role of degradation research. PARIS3, Amsterdam, Free University of Amsterdam.
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Wendrich, W. Z. and J. Bos (2007). “Mudbrick and good manners: the Karanis site management project.” ARCE (American Research Center in Egypt) bulletin 129 (2007): 12-15.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2007). Position paper Karanis, Egypt. Introductory paper to the site management plan of the Graeco-Roman town of Karanis. Woerden, Past2Present-ArcheoLogic and UCLA.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2007). Amphora stoppers and seals of the 1999 season. in: Report of the 1999 excavations at Berenike and the survey of the Egyptian Eastern Desert. S. E. S. & W. Z. Wendrich: 258-269.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2007). The implication of ownership of Karanis: a dynamic approach to site management in Egypt. in: Who owns the past? Heritage rights and responsibilities in a multicultural world. Ghent, Belgium, Ename.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2007). “Life and tradition of the Ababda nomads, the junction between intangible and tangible heritage management.” International Journal of Intangible Heritage 2: 31-43.
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Wendrich, W. Z., et al. (2006). VR modelling in research, instruction, presentation and cultural heritage management, the case of Karanis (Egypt). CIPA International Workshop dedicated in e-Documentation & Standardisation in Cultural Heritage, Cyprus.
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Bos, J.E.M.F. (2001). Jar stoppers and seals. in: Report of the 1998 excavations at Berenike and the survey of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, including excavations at Wadi Kalalat. S.E. Sidebotham, W. Z. Wendrich: 275-303.
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Cashman, V. L., J.E.M.F. Bos & L.A. Pintozzi (1999). Jar stoppers in: Report of the 1997 excavations at Berenike and the survey of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, including excavations at Shenshef. S.E. Sidebotham, W. Z. Wendrich. Leiden, CNWS: 285-297.
