Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (18.2006(2008))

DEIR EL-BAHARI

EGYPT

WORKED WOOD FROM COPTIC
DEIR EL-BAHARI
PRELIMINARY REMARKS

Marta Sankiewicz

Recent excavations in the Chapel of
Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari (cf. Szafrahski
2005: 226, 229-230; 2007a: 247-251)
brought to light an extensive assemblage of
worked wood from the furnishings of the
monastery church of St Phoibammon
(Godlewski 1986). Contrasting with the not
very characteristic and difficult to identify
fragments of wood from the Coptic period

(including a large number of thin black-
painted boards with holes pierced through
the ends) is a group of elements originating
from the furnishings of the church and
monastery: pieces of furniture, doors and
altar screen.
The most important group is composed
of elements of the higab or altar screen
(Godlewski 1986: 35-36). Belonging here


Fig. 1. Decorated worked wood elements: 1 — panel, 2 — cornice frieze, 3 — balusters and finials
(Drawing G. Zborowska)

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