SSCN Voumes 1-10, 1994-2004

St. Shenouda Coptic Newsletter

rather than human shapes from the 12 th -13 th centuries. He also contrasted the examples found there with the ones discovered in the monuments of the Syrian City of Samara. He then advanced the hypothesis that the work in Samara was exported into the monastery by way of the building of Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo in the 10 th century. This last comment generated a lively discussion between the author and the monks of Deir al- Surian in attendance. Apparently they were led to believe at one time that the stuccowork there was the original, not the one found in Samara. The fourth paper was by Dr. S. Hodak, titled, "The Ornamental Repertoire in the Art of Wadi al- Natrun" . This paper took the audience to a more tranquil and less controversial topic than its predecessor. The author here introduced her survey work of the ornamental and linear patterns of textiles that came from the area. She then described her methodology in the electronic recording of the results of this survey, giving the audience a glimpse of the sound research methodology commonly practiced in Münster. A methodology that may appear dull in presentation but foundational in value. An explanation of the meaning of some of these patterns were given. This work represents a catalog in progress for these patterns that hopefully will be completed and published in the near future. The fifth paper was by Dr. K-H Brune, titled, "The Multi-Ethnic Character of Wadi al-Natrun" . This paper is another example of the sound German Coptic Scholarship from Münster. In it, the author surveyed the available literary sources pertaining to this site in order to enumerate and evaluate the different ethnic groups represented in the inhabitants of the site. Such inhabitants may have permanent members of the monastic population or visitors. His first example of visitors to the site was that of the Jewish Holy Family. He went on to mention such groups as Syrian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ethiopians (or possible Nubians). Special emphasis was placed on the person of St. Moses the Black, which figured prominently in his discussion of some observed racist practices found there.

Birmingham, brought back very pleasant memories of our 1994 visit. The second paper was by Dr. K. Innemée, titled, "New Discoveries of Wall Paintings at Deir al- Surian" . In this paper, the author diverged significantly from the title to discussion of the very charged and emotional subject of conservation of what was uncovered in the area. He introduced the audience first to some of the work done in Deir Malak (Naqlun, al-Fayoum), Kellia, and the Baramous monastery. He also presented a historical model for monastic settlements, consisting of three stages: Wide spread small hermitages, closer together dwelling with a surrounding wall, and the final stage of less monks as a result. Recent cultivation efforts in the area is a primary cause for the disappearance of the historical evidence of such work. Then the emphasis was shifted to Deir al-Surian. On that subject he analyzed the reasons and method of destruction by the area residents (Farmers and monks) on the monastic cells found nearby. This included spread of agriculture, treasure hunting as a result of the coin discovery in St. John the Little site (mentioned above), and the monastic reconstruction undergoing there. In his estimation, 25% of these monuments have been damaged. In conclusion he called for the area to be put on the World Monuments Watch List and provide strict protection of these excavations. At the least, he proposed that they should be thoroughly studied before being turned over to legitimate use of the land by either the farmers or the monks. However the mistrust between the monks, the government's antiquity inspectors, and the farmers is complicating matters. Worthy of mention is a title of a paper that the author gave at an earlier occasion: "Fools come rushing in where angels fear to tread". The third paper was by Dr. M. Immerzeel, titled, "The Stucco Work at Deir al-Surian" . In this paper, the author introduced the audience to another form of artwork found in the area, Stucco. This is simply ornamental plaster. The best examples in the world are those found in Deir al- Surian. They are mostly in the form of geometric

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