An Old Kingdom Mastaba and the Results of Continued Investigations at Quesna in 2010

Abstract

In spring 2010 a surprising find was made at Quesna during investigations to the north of the sacred falcon necropolis. A mud-brick structure was uncovered which yielded ceramic finds dating to the late third to early fourth dynasties, a structure which transpired to be a mastaba tomb following investigations during the summer season 2010. Previous evidence at the site had not pre-dated the Late Period. Work in the northwestern corner of the entrance structure belonging to the sacred falcon necropolis itself continued in spring 2010, and two trenches were opened in the south of the site, in close proximity to the modern SCA buildings. Spring 2011 saw the continuation of the ground survey, drill coring at the sites of Kom Usim, el-Rimaly/Umm Harb and Sobek el-Dahak, with field walking and observation of surface ceramics during summer 2011. A prehistoric survey took place in the region of el-Khatatbah in September 2011 and geophysical prospection continued on the northern edge of the site at Quesna, using ground penetrating radar, in August 2011.