A cache of 22 painted picket sarcophagi containing the mummified stays of the singing priestesses of Amun have been found within the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna part of the Theban Necropolis on Luxor’s West Financial institution. Eight uncommon papyri have been additionally discovered within the burial which dates to the Third Intermediate Interval (1070/1069-712 B.C.).
The coffins have been unearthed within the southwest nook of the courtyard of the tomb of 18th Dynasty official Djeserkaraseneb. Archaeologists uncovered an oblong rock-cut chamber that was used as a funerary storehouse. The coffins are elaborately painted in vivid polychrome. They have been stacked in layers and thoroughly organized so the 22 coffins match into the constricted area. They have been positioned in 10 horizontal rows and the lids separated from the physique of the coffin to maximise the restricted area.
There are not any private names on many of the coffins, however there are titles. The most typical title discovered within the coffin is “Singer of Amun” or “Chantress of Amun.” Regardless of the shortage of particular person identification, the mummies haven’t been disturbed and are nonetheless inside their authentic coffins.
The excavation revealed a gaggle of ceramic vessels subsequent to the sarcophagi. These seem to have had sensible functions, seemingly used to retailer supplies used within the embalming course of. One giant terracotta vase contained eight papyri, some with their authentic clay seal nonetheless in place. The papyri should bear intensive conservation and stabilization earlier than they are often opened, learn and translated.
The conservative situation of the picket artifacts necessitated quick intervention by the mission’s restoration workforce. Operations included consolidation of compromised wooden fibers, therapy of polychrome dealing with surfaces affected by detachments, and thorough mechanical cleansing to take away floor deposits with out altering the vibrancy of the unique colours. Every merchandise was additionally subjected to photographic and architectural documentation earlier than switch to storage warehouses.
