Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (18.2006(2008))

SHEIKH ABD EL-GURNA

EGYPT

The rock debris just 2 m north of the
storage container contained practically
right under the surface the skeletal remains
of two or three completely destroyed
human mummies. The bones were burned
in part, mixed with animal remains, rock
debris and mummy wrappings. It is quite
likely that they had been brought up from
one of the nearby tombs and discarded by
treasure hunters in search of antiquities for
sale. The only object found with these
remains was a heart-shaped amulet made of
faience, partly damaged but overall in
good condition [Fig. 6} It bears an
inscription on both sides, identified as
coming from Chapter 30B of the Book of
the Dead, which is a spell protecting the
heart of the deceased. The object has been
dated to the Late Period.

Explorations inside the tower were
completed in this season, bringing to light
a diverse material representing different
epochs. It is because the tower had been
founded on a rubbish dump containing
both Pharaonic and Coptic material. Once
the excavation was completed, the trench
inside the tower was backfilled to the level
of the original mud floor, which was re-
constructed to its original form.
The rubbish dump to the northeast of
the tower yielded large quantities of
potsherds, organic remains, textiles and
glass vessels.
At the northern limits of the hermitage
the rock slope was cleared all the way to
the border wall raised of loosely arranged
stone blocks laid without mortar. Finds
again included large quantities of cooking


Fig. 7. Coptic ostracon on a limestone chip
(Photo J. Sliwa)

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