The Mission began their work for season 16 on 3 September 2022. The main focus was to continue the surveying and excavations of the Temple of Sobek and the Necropolis, to prepare the East bank for tourism.
Temple of Sobek
Excavations to locate the Temple’s eastern boundary wall were completed. Based on our excavations and GIS (Geographic Information System) documentation, the Mission was able to estimate the Temple’s dimensions.
It is anticipated that a mudbrick enclosure wall will be located to the east, in keeping with the traditional layout of New Kingdom temples in Egypt. Work to confirm this will take place in a future season once the area has been cleared of palm trees.
The entire Temple area was cleared and documented with GIS and 3D photogrammetry. Excitingly this clearance work revealed the outlines of the exterior wall and indicates an inner colonnade with a possible hypostyle hall located to the east.
The Necropolis
Excavations of tombs ST10, 17 and 42 were completed, while chamber tombs ST10 and 17 were GIS recorded and 3D photographed, along with 14 other burials.
Three new burials were discovered during the season, including two looted crypts (ST78-79) and a fissure burial of ST80, which contained a small child. The burial was found under spoil heaps, likely dating from the Thutmosid period.
The body had been protected by sandstone slabs placed over the upper portions of the fissure to create an enclosure. Organic material indicative of reed matting was visible, but extremely poorly preserved, together with a few fragments of fabric.
Tomb ST42 was reopened and the water pumped from the subterranean chambers. During its clearance, bone fragments, an intact flask, an offering plate, a small scarab and several beads were recovered.
Conservation work
The Mission invited a group of Egyptian conservators from Aswan and Kom Ombo to investigate the state of preservation of the Necropolis and assess how the tombs can be secured. A management strategy for the conservation of the tombs was initiated and a long-term implementation plan will be completed during our next season.
Rock art documentation
Cleaning of surface debris took place at the upper level of the necropolis, revealing 201 previously undocumented petroglyphs and rock inscriptions. The entire area was documented with GIS, 3D photogrammetry, and each object was documented and photographed in detail.