The opening of Four New Kingdom Tombs in Luxor... - Ministry of Antiquities

The opening of Four New Kingdom Tombs in Luxor... - Ministry of Antiquities: The opening of Four New Kingdom Tombs in Luxor 

Minister of Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Enany is to open today (Friday, May 13th) evening four tombs that belong to the Royal Butlers of Queen Hatshepsut from the 18th Dynasty and King Ramses II from the 19th Dynasty. The opening comes after the completion of their restoration works.



Dr. El-Enany states that the opening of the four tombs came within the framework of the Ministry of Antiquities' efforts to protect Egypt's heritage and to open new archaeological sites to promote tourism. He continued that the tombs that would be opened include tomb no. TT 110 of "the Chief Royal Butler of Queen Hatshepsut, Djehuty" which is located at Sheikh Abdel Qurna Area, on Luxor west bank.

The other three tombs are located at Deir El-Medina and belong to Imn Nakht (TT 218); Nebenmaat (TT 219) and Kha'Emteri (TT 220) who held the same title: "Servant in the Place of Truth" during the reign of King Ramsess II.

Dr. El-Enany pointed out that the restoration of Djehuty tomb was carried out in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) while the restoration of Deir El-Medina tombs was implemented in collaboration with the French Institute for Oriental Studies (IFAO).



Dr. Mahmoud Afify, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector said that Djehuty tomb is a T-shaped tomb, typical of the 18th dynasty with a pillared hall and a burial shaft. As for the three tombs of Deir El Medina, he added, belong to three members of one family: (Imn Nakht, the Father) ; (Nebenmaat, the eldest son) and (Kha'Emteri, the youngest son). The tombs share the same entrance, corridor and ante-chamber which are branched out into three burial chambers with a mud brick chapel in each.

Afify pointed out that the tomb of the father followed the multicolored design prevailing most of the Deir El-Medina tombs, while the tombs of the sons followed the unicolored design.



Eng. Waadalla Abu El-Ela, Head of the Projects Sector said that the Djehuty tomb restoration project has started in October 2012 and included architectural and fine restorations because the tomb was in a poor conservation condition. He added that the project also included the consolidation of the tomb's walls, ceiling and columns as well as inserting new lighting system.

As for the restoration of the tombs of Deir El-Medina, Abu El-Ela explains that the entrance was cleaned, the iron door at the entrance was repainted and a new wooden floor was installed to protect the tomb's original floor and facilitate the visit. A guidance panel was erected in front of the tomb's entrance and a new lighting system has been also installed.



The opening ceremony will be attended by the American Ambassador in Egypt, R. Stephen Beecroft; USAID Director, Sherry Carlin; Luxor Governor Mohammed Badr; Head of Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector Dr. Mahmoud Afify and Head of the Projects Sector, Eng. Waadalla Abu El-Ella.

Ministry of Antiquities, Press Office
Asmaa Mostafa
Eman Hossni