Memories of the past long buried in the bowels of the Earth. Recent excavations by Egyptian and American archaeologists in southern Egypt have resulted in an exceptional discovery in the Asasif necropolis, near Luxor, in the Thebes region. The team in charge of the restoration of the tomb of Karabasken (TT 391), a senior official, exhumed eleven entirely sealed and previously unopened tombs, dating from the Middle Kingdom, whose contents were entirely intact, details the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a Facebook post.
Very valuable artifacts have been found there. These finds could improve our understanding of the funeral rituals and daily life of the ruling classes of the time.
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The hippopotamus, sacred figure representing fertility and protection in ancient Egypt
Archaeologists believe that these tombs belonged to members of the same family; skeletons of men, women and children have been identified. This family certainly held a high position in society.
The tomb was used during Dynasties XII and XIII and among the objects found in the tombs are sumptuous jewelry, such as amethyst necklaces and amulets in the shape of hippopotamus heads. The latter was a symbol of fertility and protection in Egyptian mythology. A particularly sumptuous pendant was discovered, composed of thirty amethyst and agate beads, with a central amulet representing the head of this revered animal.
The artifacts, made from metal and precious stones, such as copper necklaces, rings and mirrors adorned with unique designs, were found in exceptional condition, remarkably withstanding the effects of the floods that hit the site over the years. centuries. This state of conservation has allowed archaeologists to closely study the funerary practices of the time.
-Other objects discovered include copper ingots, earthenware fertility statuettes, as well as an offering table decorated with reliefs representing a bull’s head and various foods, including bread. These symbols of prosperity were intended to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
Better understand the funeral rites in vogue in Thebes
Quoted in the Facebook post, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, estimated that this discovery would contribute to revaluing the Asasif necropolis. And this, by presenting it not only as an important site during the Middle Kingdom period, but also by offering a better understanding of the funerary practices in vogue in Thebes, one of the most powerful cities of ancient Egypt. .
An in-depth study of these tombs should allow us to better understand the evolution of rituals and beliefs of the time. Furthermore, it is expected that research will continue on this site in the coming months. Archaeologists hope to uncover more secrets related to this fascinating period of Egyptian history.
This article was originally published on November 6.
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