A joint mission led by Waseda University and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has uncovered a rock-cut tomb in Saqqara, Egypt, believed to be more than 4,000 years old.
Saqqara pyramid and boat pit. Credit: Panegyrics of Granovetter
The tomb, dating back to the Second Dynasty (2649-2150 BCE), yielded a wealth of historical artifacts, including burials, architectural elements, and various objects.
According to Ahram Online, among the remarkable findings are the remains of a human buried with a colored mask. Additionally, a burial site for a small child from the Second Dynasty was discovered. The tomb’s intricate design provides valuable information about the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian builders.
A coffin from the 18th Dynasty (1550-1295 BCE) containing a well-preserved alabaster vessel was also uncovered, alongside burials from the Ptolemaic eras.
Two terracotta statues, portraying the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis and the child deity Harpocrates, were among the notable discoveries. Isis held an initial prominence in ancient Egyptian funerary practices, while Harpocrates became ᴀssociated with silence and the safeguarding of secrets during the Ptolemaic periods.
Additionally, the trove included various amulets, pottery models, and ostraca featuring hieratic inscriptions. Nozomu Kawai, head of the Japanese team said: “The mission has documented all the discoveries. We hope to uncover more secrets of the Saqqara archaeological site in the upcoming seasons, further enriching our understanding of this historically significant area.”
Mustafa Waziri, the SCA’s secretary-general, highlighted the collaboration’s success, noting that it has added a new chapter to Saqqara’s rich history. He stated, “The artifacts and burials uncovered provide a window into the lives of those who lived in this ancient civilization.”
The intricate design of the rock-cut tomb and the pottery found within it serve as crucial markers for understanding the historical context of its creation. The archaeological mission has diligently documented all discoveries.
