Enigma of the niches in the eastern wall of the Royal Mortuary Cult Complex in the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari

Abstract

The paper offers an explanation of the misalignment of blocks and their decorations in two cultic niches in the vestibule of the Chapel of Hatshepsut in the Royal Mortuary Cult Complex. Detachment of the niches from the adjacent walls, discrepancies in their dimensions, and intentional absence of jambs have led the author to conclude that the niches were reconstructed in this spot after having been removed from their original location in another part of the temple. As the previously matching elements were reassembled in the new location during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, the correct reconstruction of their decoration proved impossible, as the decorated blocks were irreversibly damaged.