Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

TELL EL-LARKHA

EGYPT

EXCAVATIONS ON THE WESTERN KOM

Exploration of the Western Kom in 2002
continued in sections started last year
(64c,d; 65a,d; 67a,b; 54c,d; 55a,d; 44c;
54a,c), covering again a total of 505 sq. m.
The principal objective was to examine
levels dated from early phase 4 to the end of
phase 3, underlying the deposits excavated
last year (phase 5 and partly phase 4). Work
proceeded slowly in view of the complex
stratigraphy, as well as countless, often
intersecting brickwork remains and large
numbers of artifacts, many quite re-
markable, present in each layer. All of the
architectural remains and artifacts recorded
this year can be linked to the Nagada III
period. Materials dating from Nagada Ilia
were prevalent in the lowermost strata,
whilst Nagada Illb materials were predom-
inant in the upper layers.

Initially, work was concentrated in and
around the temple discovered last year.
A big slate palette in the shape of a falcon
was found; it is one of only a small number
known to date from Egypt (Fig. 1). The
lower section of the temple's east wall stood
on a thin brown deposit separating it from
the large building underneath (building
69), which had been raised by people of the
Nagada culture. Parts of building 69 (its
2.5 m-wide east wall and rounded south
corner) had been revealed in 2000.
A distinct layer of silt, no doubt a result of
the Nile flooding, was present beneath the
aforementioned temple wall. This silt
covered a thick deposit of burnt material
consisting of black and white ash (Fig. 2).
Below these strata a series of mud brick
walls was encountered, forming the distinct


Fig. 1. Cosmetic palettes: falcon-shaped. (1) from the Western Kom; round and rectangular (2-3)
from the Central Kom (Drawing M. Jordeczka)

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