Coffins of Amun's singers, sealed papyri found at Luxor

"The coffins are elaborately painted in vivid polychrome. They were stacked in layers and carefully arranged so the 22 coffins fit into the constricted space. They were placed in 10 horizontal rows and the lids separated from the body of the coffin to maximize the limited space. There are no personal names on most of the coffins, but there are titles. The most common title found in the coffin is Singer of Amun or Chantress of Amun."

"The excavation revealed a group of ceramic vessels next to the sarcophagi. These appear to have had practical purposes, likely used to store materials used in the embalming process. One large terracotta vase contained eight papyri, some with their original clay seal still in place. The papyri will have to undergo extensive conservation and stabilization before they can be opened, read and translated."

"The conservative condition of the wooden artifacts necessitated immediate intervention by the mission's restoration team. Operations included consolidation of compromised wood fibers, treatment of polychrome facing surfaces affected by detachments, and thorough mechanical cleaning to remove surface deposits without altering the vibrancy of the original colors."

Archaeologists discovered 22 elaborately painted wooden sarcophagi in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna section of the Theban Necropolis containing the mummified remains of singing priestesses of Amun from the Third Intermediate Period (1070/1069-712 B.C.). The coffins were found in a rock-cut funerary chamber beneath the tomb of 18th Dynasty official Djeserkaraseneb. The sarcophagi were ingeniously stacked in 10 horizontal rows with separated lids to fit the limited space. Most coffins lack personal names but bear titles, predominantly "Singer of Amun" or "Chantress of Amun." Eight papyri were discovered in a terracotta vase, some retaining original clay seals. Ceramic vessels found nearby likely contained embalming materials. The wooden artifacts underwent immediate restoration including consolidation, polychrome treatment, and mechanical cleaning to preserve their original colors.

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