Intact Elephantine governor’s brother’s tomb discovered

Archaeologists at Qubbet El-Hawa, west Aswan, Egypt, have discovered an intact tomb. It was revealed that it belongs to the brother of one of the most important governors of the 12th Dynasty, Sarenput II.

Detail of the sarcophagus (by Ahram Online)

The find is considered unique due to the richness of the burial chamber, but also because it is shedding light on individuals close to those in power. Within the tomb funerary goods were discovered, consisting of pottery, two cedar coffins (outer and inner) and a set of wooden models, which represent funerary boats and scenes of daily life. A mummy was found in the sarcophagus, still covered with a polychrome cartonnage with a beautiful mask and collars. Inscriptions on the coffins bear the name of the deceased, Shemai, followed respectively by his mother and father, Satethotep and Khema. The latter was governor of Elephantine under the reign of Amenemhat II. The eldest brother of Shemai, Sarenput II, was one of the most powerful governors of Egypt under the reigns of Senwosret II and Senwosret III of the 12th Dynasty during the 19th century BC.

Entrance to the tomb (by Ahram Online)

(after Ahram Online)

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