Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (15.2003(2004))

OLD DONGOLA

SUDAN

THE PAINTED DECORATION OF THE
CRUCIFORM BUILDING IN DONGOLA
PRELIMINARY REPORT

Dobrochna Zielinska

In 2001, excavations revealed the western
part of the Cruciform Building down to the
floor from the later stage. In 2003, the
interior of the structure was cleared down to
the earlier pavement, permitting a study of
the stratigraphy and the wall paintings
surviving in situ and found in the fill.1 2)
Larger fragments of painted composi-
tions can be discerned on the north wall of
the eastern arm and the adjoining western
and southern walls, as well as in the north-
ern arm, on the north wall directly to the
right of the blocked entrance and on the
east wall (Fig. 1). Mere fragments of plaster
have been preserved in other parts of the


Fig. 1. Plan of the Cruciform Building
showing location of preserved wall
paintings

structure, mostly in the corners and a larger
section with traces of decoration by the
western entrance.
An analysis of the remains has
permitted the stratigraphy of plaster layers
to be determined. Four separate layers of
plaster were distinguished, including three
coats of lime plaster and the fourth, latest
of mud plaster (Fig. 2).T)


Fig. 2. Stratigraphy of lime plaster coatings
preserved in the northern arm
(Photo D. Zielinska)

1) For the previous season, cf. W. Godlewski, “Old Dongola, Kom A, 2001”, PAM XIII, Reports 2001 (2002), 203-216.
For the present season, cf. report by W. Godlewski in this volume.
2) Initially, it was thought that the building was plastered only twice. Exploration of the lower layers, especially under
the later floor, revealed an intermediary stage, cf. ibid., 210.

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