Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (12.2000(2001))

WEST SAQQARA

WOODEN HARPOON FROM CORRIDOR 1

The cedar(?) wood harpoon is 2.60 m
long and appears to be in excellent
condition {Figs. 3 a, b and c). The
insignificant deformation is due to
humidity and the weight of overlying
strata, including stone implements.
Slight damages that are observable to
the spearhead seem to be purely
mechanical.
The cylindrical casing it was found
in has suffered more extensive
damage. The walls are very thin (8-16
mm) and the wood with its many knots
is in considerably worse shape than the
harpoon. The casing consists of two
long, hollowed out semi-cylindrical
elements, each with many taps. The top

part is considerably split and cracked.
The fragments, which are partly
detached from the main body, are
deformed. The damages to the outside
of the casing were caused by damp, as
well as insects. The wooden plug at
the top of the casing has concentric
rifts. Its outer surface preserves a layer
of whitewash (gypsum?) that is pow-
dering. ■
Loam and clay mixed with sand have
been removed from the object. Remains
of a dark-red pigment(?) were observed
on the surface of both parts of the casing.
Samples of glues used at the ancient
joints and pigment have been taken for
analysis.


Fig. 3a. The harpoon and its casing, after conservation. Bottom end
(Photo Jakub Sliwa)

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