Rudolph Kuper, who had been involved in Saharan research for over 50 years, passed away on 14 April this year. With his death, Saharan and, more broadly, African studies have lost a leading figure, to whom we owe the conception and implementation of major research programmes. He renewed the tradition of German travellers, geographers and explorers who first introduced the Sahara to Europe, thus contributing to the continuation of an important cultural and geographical legacy.
My acquaintance with Rudolf dates back to his publication Sahara. 10,000 Jahre Zwischen Weide und Wüste, produced in connection with an exhibition at the Cologne Museum in 1978. This initiative was followed by significant academic developments, including the establishment of the Forschungsstelle Afrika at the University of Cologne, the founding of the Heinrich-Barth Institute in 1989, and the creation of the series Africa Praehistorica. From 1980 onwards, he directed numerous interdisciplinary field campaigns in Egypt, Sudan and Libya, and led major research programmes such as BOS (1980–1993) and ACACIA (from 1995). His work, including New Light on the Northeast African Past (1992, with F. Klees), focused in particular on Holocene climate change and its impact on human societies.
A central area of his field research was the Western Desert of Egypt, with Dakhleh Oasis as a base. From there, expeditions led to the identification of important sites such as Djara, Abu Ballas, Mudpans and, further south, Gilf el-Kebir. His interest in rock art is exemplified by the volume on the Cave of Beasts in Wadi Sura (2013), which offers a comprehensive account of this significant prehistoric complex and reflects his deep engagement with both the documentation and interpretation of rock art.
Rudolph also played an important role in fostering international scholarly exchange. He was among the most active contributors to the creation of the Dymaczewo conference in Poznan, Poland, which later developed into the LPNEA conference series, a key forum bringing together specialists in the prehistory of Northeastern Africa.
Rudolph was also instrumental in training a new generation of researchers, many of whom were formed within the major programmes he directed and have since become distinguished scholars. Even in his later years, he remained deeply committed to teaching, as well as to the dissemination and promotion of research, particularly in Egypt, where he devoted considerable effort to the training of Egyptian students and PhD candidates.
We will remember Rudolph Kuper as an archaeologist and scholar of great intellectual initiative. His remarkable ability to promote innovative research and the enthusiasm he consistently brought to his work stand out as defining features of his legacy.
The whole ACSPT-UISPP Commission extends its condolences to his family, students and colleagues.
Barbara E. Barich
Sapienza University of Rome Foundation
ISMEO – The International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies
Former UISPP President