JEDDAH: Vogue Arabia is facing fresh backlash on social media over its latest cover.
The magazine has yet again been accused of cultural appropriation as it released its November cover featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna dressed as Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti, with some claiming that Vogue Arabia perpetuated the notion that black and African people are interchangeable.
“Um cultural appropriation by someone from Barbados ... aren’t White people mostly accused of doing this ... nice to see someone else doing it,” wrote @ChefSJ
Another user, Marie Rocha (@MyDailyPosts) tweeted: “I love Rihanna, but I’ve met some stunning Egyptians that could have paid homage to Queen Nefertiti.”
Queen Nefertiti was one of the most powerful women in ancient Egypt almost 3,500 years ago. She was renowned for her beauty and is believed to have brought radical change to Egypt along with her husband Pharaoh Akhenaten.
“We are dedicating the issue to strong and dynamic women who are changing the world,” Vogue Arabia Editor-in-Chief Manuel Arnaut wrote in the editor’s letter. “Rihanna, our cover star, is one of them. Not only is she one of the most successful pop icons ever, shaping the entertainment industry with her powerful tunes and unique sense of style, she is also an advocate for diversity.”
The star appears on the cover wearing Gucci paired with a custom Faeth Millinery-designed headpiece in a stylish homage to Queen Nefertiti.
The pop star has an adoration for the Egyptian queen, and has her iconic bust tattooed on her ribcage.
So far, neither Vogue Arabia nor Rihanna has responded to the controversy.
Earlier, Gigi and Bella Hadid saw similar backlash for posing for Vogue Arabia.
Rihanna as Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti? Vogue Arabia thinks so
Rihanna as Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti? Vogue Arabia thinks so
Egypt’s grand museum begins live restoration of King Khufu’s ancient boat
- The 4,600-year-old boat was built during the reign of King Khufu, the pharaoh who also commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza
CAIRO: Egypt began a public live restoration of King Khufu’s ancient solar boat at the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday, more than 4,000 years after the vessel was first built.
Egyptian conservators used a small crane to carefully lift a fragile, decayed plank into the Solar Boats Museum hall — the first of 1,650 wooden pieces that make up the ceremonial boat of the Old Kingdom pharaoh.
The 4,600-year-old boat was built during the reign of King Khufu, the pharaoh who also commissioned the Great Pyramid of Giza. The vessel was discovered in 1954 in a sealed pit near the pyramids, but its excavation did not begin until 2011 due to the fragile condition of the wood.
“You are witnessing today one of the most important restoration projects in the 21st century,” Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said.
“It is important for the museum, and it is important for humanity and the history and the heritage.”
The restoration will take place in full view of visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum over the coming four years.
