Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (18.2006(2008))

SAQQARA

EGYPT

presence of two typologically different
vessels in one deposit is more proof that
luxury vessels, which these bowls are
definitely an example of, had a long
circulation and dating a context ex-
clusively on their basis can be misleading.
Another extremely interesting find is
a vat with outside modeled rim and spout,
slightly narrowing walls and flat base, SQ
06-1800 (Dia.rim 36 cm, max. 40.8 cm,
base 12 cm, H. 37.8 cm; Fig. 3). Of Nile
B2, it was made partly by coiling (middle
part) and pinching/pounding (base), and
partly on the wheel (upper part and rim),
and the complete product was probably
overturned on the wheel. The outer surface
was red-slipped and polished (10 R 5/8 red),
the slip inside is so worn that it can be
observed only in places. Tomb represen-
NEW KINGDOM
Later periods are represented by single,
mostly small sherds from disturbed or
surface archaeological contexts. Their
condition — worn, salt encrusted surfaces
and rounded edges — suggests frequent
disturbance and/or exposure to atmospheric
conditions. Determining their original
provenience is impossible at present.
From the New Kingdom there is
SQ 06-1741, which is a funnel necked jar
[Fig. 6} made of Nile B2, with red-slipped
outer surface (10 R 5/6 red), and uncoated
inner one. The nearest parallels from
Saqqara date this fragment to the early
Ramesside period (Bourriau, Aston 1985:
44, Pis 66, 61, 65). From the Late Period
through Roman times comes a small group
of pottery, mainly non-diagnostic amphora
sherds and a piece of jar with small handle,
SQ 06-1745 (rim c. 19 cm) from Nile B2
with red-slipped outer surface [Fig- 6}.
In summary, the pottery from the 2006
season is an important group for under-

tations and models from the Old Kingdom
period indicate that vats of this kind were
used for brewing beer (Faltings 1998: 199-
203); scratch marks on the interior surface
could be evidence for such usage. The vessel
was found broken, but it proved possible to
recompose, providing the first almost
complete example of form 199 (Rzeuska
2006: 322-222, 418-149). Vats of this kind
discovered so far originated from phase III
of the necropolis; this one is the first to be
dated to phase IV. Analogous vessels of
practically the same size, dated to the Sixth
Dynasty, were found in Giza (Type D-
XXXV b, from mastaba G 5020 (Annex):
Reisner, GN I: Fig. 283, GN II: Fig. 117,
PI. 55d). The deposit from Shaft 100 is
chronologically homogeneous, originating
from phase IV
ROMAN PERIOD
standing the development of this part of the
Saqqara necropolis. Not only has it
contributed types previously not recorded in
the richly represented pottery of the late
Old Kingdom, but also added to our
knowledge of pottery from ages previously
poorly represented in this area.


Fig. 6. Late Period - Roman sherds

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