Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (7.1995(1996))

OLD DONGOLA

CEMETERIES 1995
by Bogdan Zurawski
The ring of wz/rov cemeteries surrounding the
monastery on Korn H is divided into four units: TNH, TSH, TEH
and TWH ' Buriais were also found 777?/ray, beneath the
chapel-like structures (tentatively identified as commemorative
chapels or mewo?
Graves on the TWH cemetery are in relatively good repair
(sepulchres on the remaining three cemeteries around Kom H are
reduced to the substructures alone). They were quickly embedded
in sand and afterwards covered with a "protective" layer of
architectural debris from the destruction of the western part of the
monastery.
The excavation of 46 graves on TWH cemetery, which is
divided into the southern (coded TSWH) and northern (coded
TNWH) parts, started in 1989 and ended in 1995.
The solid superstructure graves on TSWH cemetery were
built of red bricks in mud mortar, covered with two layers of hard
lime plaster. The exterior walls of the mastabas have gir-washing
which ranges from ivory white to pale white. The lamp boxes
attached to the western (i.e. front) side of the superstructures
yielded a few charcoal samples, mostly charred tamarisk twigs and
berries (either juniper or acacia) which had been used as incense. A
laboratory analysis of one sample, done at the Department of
Physics of the University of Technology in Gliwice (Poland), gave
aB.P 1020 ±45 date (Gd-6180).

' All cemeteries within the boundaries of the Polish Concession in Oid
Dongola have been coded in relation to the nearest Kom (designated with
capita! letters), e.g. TNH - Tombs north of (kom) H, TSJ - Tombs south of
(kom) J, etc.