Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (17.2005(2007))

DEIR EL-BAHARI

EGYPT

THE SOLAR CULT COMPLEX

Original stonework had been preserved
only in the lower part (four to seven stone
courses) of the South Wall of the Altar
Courtyard, separating the Upper (Festival)
and Altar Courtyards.2 3 In previous seasons
(1983-1984), the core of the upper part of
the wall had been reconstructed in red-
brickwork and its outer (northern) surface
was partly covered with concrete tiles. The
uppermost part of the wall was left un-
covered and its top open.'1 Last year, these
tiles were removed in preparation for final
reconstruction and thorough restoration
this season. The upper part of the wall
(courses 10-13) was reconstructed of
regular limestone tiles {Fig. 1] and the

joints were filled with mortar. The top of
the wall was completed up to its original
height, i.e., 5.86 m, levelled flat and
prepared for a covering installation in order
to protect it against rain, dust, and other
atmospheric conditions.
Four blocks of the cornice, consolidated
last season, were now placed on the top of
the North Wall {Fig. 2] of the Sun Altar
Courtyard {Fig. 3]; the wall had earlier
been restored of regular limestone blocks.4
The architectural and archaeological
documentation of the complex was
checked and revised where necessary in
preparation for a forthcoming publica-
tion.5

ROYAL MORTUARY CULT COMPLEX

This season work concentrated on the
documentation of the relief decoration in
different parts of the Complex, not only the
decoration existing in situ, but also hundreds
of loose fragments attributed to this part of
the Temple. Several dozens of new fragments
were attributed to particular places in the
Complex. Of particular interest are the
fragments filling gaps in the inscriptions
decorating the walls and ceiling of the
Chapel of Hatshepsut and the Chapel
of Tuthmosis I. The photographic docu-

mentation and drawings, which are essential
for the restoration project, will also be used
in a planned publication of the entire
Complex. The drawings of the decoration of
the Northern and Southern Niches of the
Vestibule were completed during this season
and plates of these parts are ready for
publication. The conservation work in the
Royal Mortuary Cult Complex is restricted
for the present to parts in need of urgent
treatment and is synchronized with the
progress of documentation work.

2 Cf. E. Naville, The Temple of Deir el-Bahari, vol. I (London 1895), 1, 4, PI. I. See also photo by H. Carter, in: Z.E. Szafranski,
PAM XVI. Reports 2004 (2005), Fig. 9.
3 Cf. Z. Wysocki, "Chronique des fouilles : Deir el-Bahari, saisons 1982-1985", EtTrav XVI (1992), 452, 454, Figs 5f.,
12, 18.
4 M. Barwik, PAM XIV. Reports 2002 (2003), 2001., Figs 2, 6-7. Contributing to the general idea of the restoration of
the Courtyard is a theoretical reconstruction of the "Treasury" of Tuthmosis I in Karnak, cf. J. Jacquet, Karnak-Nord
V. Le tresor de Thoutmosis Ier. Etude architecturale, FIFAO 30/1 (Le Caire 1983), Fig. 27.)
5 Complementary to the volume prepared a few years ago: J. Karkowski, The Temple of Hatshepsut. The Solar Complex,
Deir el-Bahari VI (Warsaw 2003).

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