A remarkable discovery has been made in the ancient Egyptian city of Tanis. Archaeologists unearthed 225 funerary figurines in a tomb, a significant find that illuminates a long-standing mystery. French archaeologist Frederic Payraudeau, who leads the excavation, shared the news during a press release in Paris.
These figurines, known as ushabti, were meant to serve the deceased in the afterlife. What makes this find exceptional is that more than half of the figurines are women. This detail adds to the intrigue of the burial practices of that time.
Payraudeau explained that this type of find has not occurred since 1946 in the Tanis necropolis. In most royal tombs, especially in the well-known Valley of the Kings, treasures have long been looted. The last similar discovery in this series was with the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
The team discovered the figurines arranged in a star pattern around a trapezoidal pit. Their excitement grew as they worked intensively to extract the delicate items, taking ten days to complete the task.
Located in the Nile Delta, Tanis became the capital during the 21st dynasty around 1050 BC. As the Valley of the Kings fell into disuse, the royal necropolis moved to this region. This shift might explain the unusual burial practices that the excavation has uncovered.
The figurines provided clues to the identity of the tomb’s occupant: Pharaoh Shoshenq III, who ruled from 830 to 791 BC. This identification helps solve a mystery regarding why his name appears on another tomb’s walls, raising questions about his original burial place.
Payraudeau noted that the findings suggest a turbulent history marked by power struggles, including a significant civil war. This conflict may have affected burial practices, leading to the possibility that Shoshenq’s remains were relocated.
Experts have emphasized the importance of this discovery. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, it represents a major step in understanding the region’s archaeological history. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, claimed it confirms that many secrets of Tanis are yet to be explored.
As scientists study the figurines, plans are underway to display them in an Egyptian museum. This discovery comes on the heels of the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest museum dedicated to a single civilization.
This latest find not only enriches our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture but also demonstrates the ongoing potential for new discoveries in historically rich areas. As archaeologists continue their work, they remind us that the past still has many stories waiting to be told.
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Archaeologist, Egypt
