We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stefan Jakobielski, epigrapher and archaeologist, one of the pioneers of Nubian studies and a true treasure trove of knowledge on the history of Polish Mediterranean archaeology.
His connection to Polish Mediterranean archaeology was not merely one of involvement—he was one of its co-creators from the very beginning, when he participated in the discovery and preservation of the wall paintings from the Faras cathedral (Sudan). He remained connected to Sudan for the rest of his life, though he also took part in work in Egypt, at Tell Atrib, Deir el-Bahari, and Qasr Ibrim, as well as in Palmyra, Syria. However, it was Old Dongola where he dedicated most of his time, leading the expedition there for four decades, bringing to light numerous treasures of medieval Nubia.
But his interests were not limited to inscriptions and the faces gazing out from Nubian wall paintings; he also devoted much attention to the people he worked with and lived among for all those years. As a result, the fruits of his work are not only scholarly studies and publications, but also deep human connections.
In him, we have lost not only the last surviving participant of the historic research in Faras, but also a person whose stories about Sudanese archaeology and the people connected to it could uniquely capture the spirit of those times and events.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
A funeral mass will be held on October 18 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Otrębusy, Sadowa Street 14. The burial will take place at the parish cemetery in Grodzisk Mazowiecki.