Qubbet el-Hawa Research Articles

Aumento en el acervo geotécnico de los constructores de hipogeos entre los Reinos Antiguo y Medio (Necrópolis Qubbet el-Hawa, Asuán)

La colina de Qubbet el-Hawa fue el lugar elegido para el cementerio de los altos funcionarios de la provincia más meridional del Antiguo Egipto, desde finales del Reino Antiguo hasta finales del Reino Medio. Hasta la fecha se han descubierto, a media ladera, un centenar de tumbas excavadas en la roca distribuidas en varias terrazas superpuestas. Del estudio geológico/geotécnico se desprende que no había mejor emplazamiento, en un tramo donde predominan las areniscas, delimitado por dos estratos especialmente resistentes que sirven como suelo y techo de los hipogeos, lo que en principio garantizaba su estabilidad. En este artículo analizamos dos tumbas representativas de los dos períodos más importantes del cementerio: QH34h (Dinastía VI) y QH33 (Dinastía XII), construidas con una diferencia temporal de unos 400 años. A partir del estudio de fracturación y del análisis de la estabilidad geotécnica en estas tumbas comprobamos que la más moderna (QH33), respecto de la más antigua (QH34h), presenta innovaciones constructivas y de diseño que solucionaron los problemas de estabilidad que presentaban algunas de las tumbas más antiguas. Este estudio demuestra que, en primer lugar, la elección del emplazamiento de las tumbas se realizó en función de la naturaleza resistente de los estratos, en segundo lugar, que los métodos constructivos utilizados por los antiguos egipcios estaban condicionados por la geología de la colina y, en tercer lugar, que, resultado de la experiencia adquirida durante años, el diseño de las tumbas evolucionó para solucionar los problemas de estabilidad del macizo rocoso.

ANALYSIS OF WALLS AND PILLARS OF THE HYPOSTYLE HALL AT THE QH31 TOMB (ASWAN, EGYPT) BASED ON 3D MODELS

Abstract. This study describes the methodology developed and the results obtained about the geometric behaviour of walls and pillars of one of the most prominent rock-cut funerary structures of the Middle Kingdom period located in the Necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa. More specifically, we selected the hypostyle hall of the QH31 hypogeum, one of the greatest in the Necropolis, to apply this methodology. The main objective is related to obtaining geometrical aspects of walls and pillars in order to understand the constructive procedure carried out almost four millennia ago. The methodology was based on photogrammetric and TLS surveys that allowed us to obtain a complete combined 3D model of the structure, geometrically contrasted and with real texture. From this product we obtained a high density point cloud, where some planes were fitted considering the walls and pillars that defined the structure. These planes were characterized by their normal vectors, which were used to analyse several geometric aspects such as inclinations, parallelism and perpendicularity. As results, we have obtained important information about the level of accuracy of the constructive procedure carried out by the ancient Egyptians. In this sense, the values obtained allow us to suggest and confirm several hypotheses about the construction of this hypogeum. The proposed methodology has demonstrated its feasibility for determining these geometric aspects of funerary structures through the analysis of the fitted planes obtained from the 3D model.

Geometrical study of Middle Kingdom funerary complexes in Qubbet el-Hawa (Aswan, Egypt) based on 3D models

Highlights: A new methodology is presented to develop geometrical analysis of burial structures based on 3D models. The methodology has been applied to three contiguous burial structures (hypogea), allowing the researchers to analyse some constructive aspects such as dimensions, proportions, orientations, flatness and inclinations. Results have demonstrated the advanced skills achieved by ancient Egyptians in construction techniques. Abstract: This study describes the methodology developed and the main results obtained when analysing the geometrical behavior of three adjacent burial structures located in southern Egypt. The rock-cut tombs are composed of complex geometries such as halls, corridors, chambers and vertical shafts. Among other determining aspects, this complexity greatly conditioned the data acquisition and processing work. In this context, the main objective of this study was to develop a new methodology for obtaining geomatic products that support a complete geometrical analysis of the tombs. The researchers have used photogrammetric and laser scanning surveys to obtain accurate 3D models on a common reference system. The procedure used included obtaining several secondary products, such as several geometries (planes and cylinders) fitted from point clouds or plans and sections obtained from the 3D models. The geometric analysis has included several aspects: dimensions, proportions, orientations, wall flatness, inclinations, etc., and it is based on these products. The results obtained suggest and confirm several hypotheses about the constructive aspects of these hypogea based on a large amount of data, including the determination of a proportional canon used by the ancient Egyptians to plan and perform the excavation works of each funerary structure. The application of this methodology has demonstrated that this type of analysis is viable to unveil some important aspects of these structures and the constructive procedures carried out almost four millennia ago.

New insights on plasters, pigments and binder in mural paintings of the Setka tomb (QH 110), Elephantine, Aswan, Upper Egypt

Mural paintings within the tomb of Setka, Qubbet el-Hawa, in Aswan, Upper Egypt, were investigated using a multi-disciplinary analytical approach (Stereomicroscopy, SEM-EXD and FT-IR spectroscopy). The walls of the tomb were hewn from fragile sandstone and covered by a clay plaster, overlaid by two layers of white gypsum plaster. SEM micrographs were indicative of the penetration of fungal mycelium within the pores of the gypsum plaster, forming white encrustations due to the re-precipitation of gypsum. SEM micrographs revealed that the calcification of the gypsum plaster had occurred due to its exposure to a high temperature. The EDX pattern for the white plaster gave the characteristic spectrum of gypsum, the blue pigment was Egyptian blue, the black pigment was magnetite, the white pigment was of gypsum (or anhydrite) and the yellow pigment was limonite. Finally, the FT-IR spectrum of the binder gave the characteristic features of gum Arabic.

MODELLING THE EVOLUTION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKS DEVELOPED IN QUBBET EL-HAWA (ASWAN, EGYPT)

Abstract. This study describes the methodology carried out and the main results achieved when using photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) to obtain 3D models of the evolution of archaeological works in Egyptian tombs. More concretely, the study was performed in the exterior zone of the QH34 set of tombs located in the necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa (Aswan, Egypt). The necropolis is composed of tens of rock-cut tombs located in a medium-size hill situated on a bank of the Nile River. The QH34 zone concentrates a great quantity of tombs from several periods of ancient Egypt. The area of study is situated on a horizontal platform of the terrain of about 300 m2. Thanks to the particular geology of this zone, with a fracture that caused the collapse of part of the rocks, much of these tombs have remained intact because the remains of the collapsed terrain hid their entrances. The archaeological works were carried out during two periods (2018 and 2019 campaigns). The main goal of this study was to model the evolution of these works using several geomatic techniques and obtaining several 3D models of the terrain and burial elements to document the previous, intermediate and final status and to analyse the archaeological works undertaken. In addition, a reduced time was demanded for the acquisition of data. The methodology developed has demonstrated its viability for performing multi-temporal studies in order to document the evolution of the excavation, providing a wide and reliable set of geomatic products.

The Dual Solar (Solstitial) and Cardinal Orientation in Planning the Middle Kingdom Funerary Complexes in Qubbet el-Hawa

The Qubbet el-Hawa necropolis, located on the west bank of the Nile, was the burial site chosen by the elite of Elephantine, from the Old Kingdom to the Middle Kingdom, and became one of the most important provincial cemeteries in the country. The hill affects the course of the River Nile and determines the disposition of the hypogea distributed between its two slopes (southeast and northeast). Therefore, the topography (and the river) determined the alignments of most of the tombs. During the Middle Kingdom, although only six large funerary complexes were built, there was a very significant change in the architecture of the necropolis in terms of the design of the burial chapels (which were planned as if they were a funerary temple), as well as the accuracy of the construction methods. In addition, they stand out because they were planned (and built) with a strongly symbolic double orientation, which is the subject of this study. The astronomical alignments of these funerary complexes, normally associated with royal temples and burials, appear to have been appropriated by the governors of Elephantine, lower-level officials, which has implications for our understanding of both Egyptian governance and Egyptian astronomy; undoubtedly, the architects had to possess knowledge of astronomy. The result is that these funerary complexes represent a clear example of “cultured” architecture carried out in a provincial cemetery. This article examines in detail the alignments of four of these funeral complexes: QH36, QH32, QH31 and QH33, building on the work of Belmonte and his collaborators in Qubbet el-Hawa, who are primarily responsible for increasing our data of Egyptian astronomical alignments

A Gynecological Treatment Found in Qubbet el-Hawa and Described in Different Papyri

Summary The present paper discusses the finding of an hemispherical drinking cup between the heads of the femurs of a lady identified as Sattjeni A in a Late 12th Dynasty tomb in Qubbet el-Hawa, which has been catalogued as 34aa. The woman suffered a traumatic injury in her pelvis, which provoked her pain, sterility and iatrogenic pain. The presence of the ceramic with remains of organic material with evident signs of combustion is compared to similar treatments recorded in different papyri, one of them (P. Kahun) almost contemporary to the burial. The analysis of the textual sources has allowed us to relate this find to the medical treatments prescribed by the ancient specialists in the 12th Dynasty.

Dental research using intraoral techniques with portable digital radiography adapted for fieldwork in Qubbet el-Hawa (Egypt)

Dental research using intraoral techniques with portable digital radiography adapted for fieldwork in Qubbet el-Hawa (Egypt)

Harkhuf’s Autobiographical Inscriptions. A Study in Old Kingdom Monumental Rhetoric

Harkhuf’s facade, inscribed with diverse types of texts, is a unitary composition. Inscriptional layout on that facade is highly complex and contributes directly to the rhetoric of the texts as inscriptions. The facade inscribes royal agency at the place, in the far south, that is farthest away from the Memphite center. Patterns of motion, out of the Valley and back to the Residence, are emphasized spatially on the wall. Along with an episodic narrative mode in the event autobiography, inscribed royal speech set Harkhuf and his monument as examples for posterity. As other facades subsequently inscribed at Qubbet el-Hawa demonstrate, this example was emulated indeed. Part I. Texts, genres, forms The architrave: offering formulae, ideal autobiography and other ritual texts Right and left sides of facade: expanded titulary and event autobiography The outer right of the facade: the royal letter Part II. The inscribed facade Verbal rhetoric: the facade as a unitary inscription Inscriptional layout on the facade The inscription as an event Harkhuf’s reception and emulation in inscribed facades at Qubbet al-Hawa

3D MODELS OF THE QH31, QH32 AND QH33 TOMBS IN QUBBET EL HAWA (ASWAN, EGYPT)

Abstract. This paper describes the methodology employed to obtain 3D models of three funerary complexes (QH31, QH32 and QH33) of the Necropolis of Qubbet el Hawa (Aswan, Egypt) and the main results obtained. These rock-cut tombs are adjacent structures defined by complex geometries such as chambers, corridors and vertical shafts. The main goal of this study was to discover the spatial relationships between them and obtain a complete 3D model. In addition, some models with realistic textures of the burial chambers were demanded in order to analyse archaeological, architectural and geological aspects. The methodology was based on the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Close Range Photogrammetry. In general, both techniques were developed in parallel for each tomb. Some elements presented difficulties because of their reduced dimensions, the presence of vertical falls, some objects stored in the tombs that generated occlusions of some walls, coincidence of other workers, poor illumination conditions, etc. The results included three complete 3D models obtained without texture and some parts of interest obtained with real textures. All models were merged into a global 3D model. The information extracted from this product has helped architects and archaeologists to contrast their premises about the spatial behaviour of the tombs. The results have also allowed the obtaining of the first 3D documentation of these tombs under the same reference system, allowing them to be studied completely. This information is very important for documentation purposes but also to understand the spatial behaviour of these structures and the excavation processes developed by ancient Egyptians 4000 years ago.

Qubbet el-Hawa, 2019

This field report covers the work of the Egypt Exploration Society and Macquarie University Joint Mission during the period of 2018 and 2019 at Qubbet el-Hawa (third to fifth field seasons). Excavations focused on the infrastructure of the Lower Necropolis (Sites B and C) and the discovery of the causeway of Tomb QH90 (Site E). A detailed analysis of the pottery found and archaeometrical results complement the report.

Harkhuf’s Autobiographical Inscriptions. A study in Old Kingdom Monumental Rhetoric

Summary Harkhuf’s facade, inscribed with diverse types of texts, is a unitary composition. Inscriptional layout on that facade is highly complex and contributes directly to the rhetoric of the texts as inscriptions. The facade inscribes royal agency at the place, in the far south, that is farthest away from the Memphite center. Patterns of motion, out of the Valley and back to the Residence, are emphasized spatially on the wall. Along with an episodic narrative mode in the event autobiography, inscribed royal speech set Harkhuf and his monument as examples for posterity. As other facades subsequently inscribed at Qubbet el-Hawa demonstrate, this example was emulated indeed. Part I. Texts, genres, forms The architrave: offering formulae, ideal autobiography and other ritual texts Right and left sides of facade: expanded titulary and event autobiography The outer right of the facade: the royal letter Part II. The inscribed facade Verbal rhetoric: the facade as a unitary inscription Inscriptional layout on the facade The inscription as an event Harkhuf’s reception and emulation in inscribed facades at Qubbet al-Hawa

PHOTOGRAMMETRIC STUDY OF THE QUBBET EL-HAWA COPTIC CHURCH (ASWAN, EGYPT)

Abstract. This paper presents the method applied and the results obtained in the photogrammetric study of the Qubbet el-Hawa Coptic Church. After several archaeological interventions, the ruins of this church were completely uncovered of sand. Therefore, a geometric documentation is justified in prevision of possible damages or deterioration that could affect it, considering the weakened status of several structures. In this context, we selected close-range photogrammetry because of the site conditions which include several vertical walls and occlusions that complicated the use of other terrestrial methods. In addition, a real texture of the object was demanded in order to obtain a complete documentation of the church. In this sense, some decorations and wall paintings were still visible causing this requisite of documentation based on real textures. However, the use of terrestrial photogrammetry was complicated due to the presence of occlusions, and in addition the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) was not allowed. So a method using a mast of about 4 to 6 metres was considered in order to lift the camera, avoiding these obstacles and reducing the amount of photographs needed. Applying this method, a great set of photographs was acquired and the scene covered with convergent images. The results of the photogrammetric processes were several metric products such as a 3D model with real textures, a ground Digital Elevation Model (DEM), several orthoimages, sections, etc. In addition a preliminary virtual reconstruction of the church has been developed based on these results. In conclusion, we have obtained a complete and reliable geometric documentation of the site and other derived products that can be used for other purposes. The method used has demonstrated its efficiency in these types of studies.

Documentación arqueológica tridimensional de la cultura material en la terraza sureste de la necrópolis de Qubbet el-Hawa (Asuán): potencial y difusión pública de resultados

Qubbet el-Hawa (Aswan): Potential and Public Dissemination of the Results The material culture found in the necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa stands out for its typological and chronological diversity and quality. It is possible to reconstruct different chapters of the history of the First Nome of Upper Egypt thanks to material culture studies. Furthermore, these studies allow us to detect changes in funerary rituals. Qubbet el-Hawa is an excellent archaeological site to be documented with the latest technologies, especially three-dimensional modelling. The updated work on the digital artefact collection from the Qubbet el-Hawa Project offers a three-dimensional open access library, which allows users to visit a virtual museum of the material culture recovered in the necropolis. This paper presents the methodology applied to maximize the potential of three-dimensional archaeological documentation for the public dissemination of the research results.

Elementos arquitectónicos de la capilla funeraria de Sarenput II (QH31) en Qubbet el-Hawa. Caracterización geoquímica

The chapel of the QH31 funerary complex (Sarenput II) was excavated directly into the rock, like the rest of the hypogea of the necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa. However, in the chapel there are some outstanding elements that, probably, were elaborated independently of the excavation works in situ, to be located in the planned place as an integral part of the burial equipment, and the general design of the chapel. These elements include, for example, the three pairs of Osiride statues in the corridor, the four pillars in the offering chamber, and the slabs with which they built the sanctuary of the statue of the grave’s owner. As these elements were found coated so as to make their surfaces suitable for decoration, it is very difficult to determine the stone with which they were made. During the last campaign (2018), in situ analysis with non-invasive techniques, such as X-ray Fluorescence, has allowed determining its chemical composition. In addition, some stone fragments found during the excavations carried out since 2008 by the Qubbet el-Hawa project (University of Jaén), have been analyzed, such as the wig of the decapitated statue on the north wall of the corridor, and the fragment belonging to the right jamb of the façade of the sanctuary housing the statue. The results of the analysis seem to indicate that these elements were made from a very similar sandstone to that of the excavation itself and not with silicified sandstone (quartzarenite), which was also very abundant at Qubbet el-Hawa. Besides, these studies show several differences in composition between the stone employed for the construction of the sanctuary, and other elements such as the Osiride statues. Finally, the slab on the floor of the sanctuary, on which the statue of Sarenput was placed, was made of imported limestone.

Cerámicas cubiertas de barro: datos de algunas vasijas del Segundo Periodo Intermedio/Reino Nuevo halladas en la tumba QH33 de la necrópolis de Qubbet el-Hawa, Asuán

Archaeological research carried out at Qubbet el-Hawa (Aswan, Egypt), led by Dr Alejandro Jiménez Serrano (University of Jaén, Spain), has brought to light some pottery vessels with abundant remains of mud bonded to their outer surfaces. The thickness of this mud, spread over the whole body of the vases, seems to indicate that these pots were intentionally covered in mud before being placed inside the tomb. All the vessels found with this peculiarity are large jars. Their sizes as well as other details related to their shapes and raw materials suggest that they were intended to transport and/or store offerings. The practice of intentionally covering the entire outer surface of large pottery vessels in mud is not widely attested in pharaonic times. The consulted bibliography offers examples of pots partially covered in mud, mainly restricting the area to the pot’s mouth in order to facilitate its sealing. This article presents the pottery types covered in mud found inside Tomb QH33. It advances some interpretative hypotheses that have been explored in order to gain an understanding of this practice. These are based on some few archaeological parallels as well as on ethnographic and anthropological data. It also presents some proposals on the use of mud in connection with ceramics in Pharaonic Egypt.

Modelado y análisis estructural de la tumba de Khunes (QH34h) en Qubbet el-Hawa. Determinación de las condiciones de estabilidad

The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of the deterioration of the stone material in the structural capacity of the tomb of Khunes at Qubbet el-Hawa, through the evaluation of its static structural behaviour in the face of an earthquake. For this, two different cases are examined, the first is to evaluate the model corresponding to the ideal theoretical state of the tomb and the second is to make another model that considers the internal fractures of the rock in which the hypogeum was excavated. The calculation is made up of a static analysis that evaluates the stability of the whole, and a dynamic analysis of our results that estimates the tension distribution, displacements and deformations that might occur under the influence of an earthquake with particular characteristics of the area. The results provide accurate information on two issues: the behaviour of the stability of the tomb that is expected in the current state and given its mechanical behaviour; the response to an earthquake in view of the special characteristics of the geographical location.

Photogrammetric studies of inaccessible sites in archaeology: Case study of burial chambers in Qubbet el-Hawa (Aswan, Egypt)

This study describes a new procedure for acquiring images and developing photogrammetric studies of inaccessible spaces in archaeology. The approach is based on the acquisition of photographs using a system mounted on a mast, with a length of up to 4 m. The camera is handled using a remote control assisted with a real-time viewer. After the acquisition of images, a photogrammetric process is developed. As a result, we can obtain photogrammetric products such as orthoimages that can be used for several purposes, such as the documentation of the initial status of the scene, the identification of elements, the planning of future work, etc. The procedure has been applied successfully to several burial chambers discovered in the Qubbet el-Hawa site (Aswan, Egypt). Among other results, we can highlight the identification of the deceased buried in a narrow intact chamber, which was opened for a short period, and the determination of the geometric measurements of the coffin that were usable in subsequent work. Thanks to the orthoimage obtained in this study the deceased of the QH34bb tomb was identified as Shemai, brother of governor Sarenput II. The obtaining of metric products of inaccessible spaces provides an important base of documentation to be used by other researchers with the great advantage of not affecting the scene and allowing them to design appropriate methods of conservation.

Reconstrucción virtual del exterior del complejo funerario de Sarenput I (QH36)

El complejo funerario de Sarenput I (QH36) destaca por ser el único de los construidos en la necrópolis de Qubbet el-Hawa, que fue completamente terminado. Además, destaca por ser uno de los escasos ejemplos de la arquitectura funeraria privada del Reino Medio, junto con las monumentales tumbas de Qaw el-Kebir y de Assiut que, de manera simplificada, sigue la estructura de los complejos funerarios reales con escalera ascendente, patio exterior, capilla funeraria y cámaras de enterramiento. En este artículo se aporta la reconstrucción gráfica “ideal” de los espacios exteriores de QH36, conservados parcialmente, basándonos en dos niveles de conocimiento: los elementos arquitectónicos y otras evidencias arqueológicas existentes en el recinto exterior que nos permiten su reconstrucción garantizando su autenticidad y la falta de algunos de éstos que nos obliga a tomar decisiones interpretativas que, basadas en el estudio de ejemplos de la arquitectura egipcia contemporánea, garanticen un modelo con rigurosidad y veracidad histórica.

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Next article FreeOPEN ACCESS ON AJA ONLINE (www.ajaonline.org)Online-Only ContentPDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailQR Code SectionsMoreOnline-only content accompanying American Journal of Archaeology Volume 120, Number 4 (October 2016)VOLUME INDEXVolume 120 (2016) IndexSUPPLEMENTARY CONTENTImage Gallery: Tortoise-Shell Lyres from Phrygian Gordion, by Samuel HolzmanImage Gallery: Archaeology in Jordan, 2014 and 2015 Seasons, by Glenn J. Corbett, Donald R. Keller, Barbara A. Porter, and China P. SheltonBOOK REVIEWSThe Archaeology of Kinship: Advancing Interpretations and Contributions to Theory, by Bradley E. Ensor. Reviewed by Katherine HarrellDeath and Changing Rituals: Function and Meaning in Ancient Funerary Practices, edited by J. Rasmus Brandt, Marina Prusac, and Håkon Roland. Reviewed by Borja Legarra HerreroCommunity and Identity in Ancient Egypt: The Old Kingdom Cemetery at Qubbet el-Hawa, by Deborah Vischak. Reviewed by Leslie Anne WardenThe Old Kingdom Town at Buhen, by David O’Connor. Reviewed by Christian KnoblauchCommunities of Style: Portable Luxury Arts, Identity, and Collective Memory in the Iron Age Levant, by Marian H. Feldman. Reviewed by Erika Fischer and Dirk WickeL’art du siège néo-assyrien, by Fabrice De Backer. Reviewed by Jan P. StronkThe Prehistory of the Paximadi Peninsula, Euboea, by Tracey Cullen, Lauren E. Talalay, Donald R. Keller, Lia Karimali, and William R. Farrand. Reviewed by John F. CherryFouilles exécutées à Malia: Les abords Nord-Est du palais I. Les recherches et l’histoire du secteur, edited by Pascal Darcque. Reviewed by Elisabetta BorgnaThe Archaeology of Greek and Roman Troy, by Charles Brian Rose. Reviewed by Nicholas K. RauhL’alabastre attique: Origine, forme et usages, by Isabelle Algrain. Reviewed by Panayota BadinouCorpus vasorum antiquorum. Germany 97. Dresden, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Skulpturensammlung 2: Attisch rotfigurige Keramik, by Eva Hofstetter-Dolega. Reviewed by Victoria SabetaiIndustrial Religion: The Saucer Pyres of the Athenian Agora, by Susan I. Rotroff. Reviewed by Sarah A. JamesChildren in the Hellenistic World: Statues and Representation, by Olympia Bobou. Reviewed by John H. OakleyLes potiers d’Étrurie et leur monde: Contacts, échanges, transferts. Hommages à Mario A. Del Chiaro, edited by Laura Ambrosini and Vincent Jolivet. Reviewed by Dominique FrèreThe North African Boom: Evaluating Economic Growth in the Roman Province of Africa Proconsularis (146 B.C.–A.D. 439), by Matthew S. Hobson. Reviewed by David L. StoneList of Books Received Next article DetailsFiguresReferencesCited by American Journal of Archaeology Volume 120, Number 4October 2016 The journal of the Archaeological Institute of America Views: 21Total views on this site Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3764/aja.120.4.online Copyright © 2016 by the Archaeological Institute of America. All rights reserved.PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.