A group of rock-cut Old Kingdom tombs has been uncovered by an Egyptian mission working at Qubbet el-Hawa, near Aswan. The tombs contained burial chambers that were reused in the First Intermediate Period and the Middle Kingdom. More than 160 pottery vessels of varying size and shape were found in the tombs, most of which are in a good state of preservation – some with intact hieratic inscriptions. Preliminary studies suggest these were used for storing foodstuffs such as grain. The team also discovered various items dating to the Middle Kingdom, including jewellery, alabaster kohl pots, and amulets.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / Image: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
