A collection of 22 painted wooden sarcophagi containing the mummified remains of the singing priests of Amun has been discovered in the Sheikh Abd al-Qarna section of the Theban necropolis on the west bank of Luxor. Eight rare papyri dating to the Third Intermediate Period (1070/1069-712 BC) were also found in the burial.
The sarcophagus was discovered in the southwest corner of the courtyard of the tomb of Jesarkaraseneb, an official of the 18th dynasty. Archaeologists uncovered a rectangular rock-cut chamber that was used as a funeral barn. The coffins are clearly painted in vivid polychrome. They were decorated in layers and carefully arranged so that 22 coffins fit into the limited space. They were placed in 10 horizontal rows and the lids were separated from the coffin body to maximize the limited space.
Most caskets have no personal names, but titles. The most common title found on the coffin is “Singer of Amun” or “Chantress of Amun”. Despite the lack of individual identification, the mummies have not been disturbed and are still inside their original coffins.
Excavations revealed a group of ceramic vessels next to the sarcophagi. They seem to have had functional purposes, possibly used to store materials used in the embalming process. A large terracotta vase contained eight papyri, some with their original clay seals still in place. Before the papyri can be opened, read and translated, they must undergo extensive preservation and stabilization.
The conservative condition of the wooden specimen necessitated immediate intervention by the mission’s recovery team. Operations include the collection of compromised wood fibers, treatment of detachment-affected polychrome facing surfaces, and thorough mechanical cleaning to remove surface deposits without altering the vibrancy of the original colors. Each item was also subjected to photographic and architectural documentation prior to transfer to storage warehouses.
