Ancient Egyptian Mummification Materials "Discovered" in Abu Sir Cache

The Czech archaeological mission uncovered a cache of ancient Egyptian mummification process materials  during archaeological excavations inside a group of burial chambers dating back to the 26th Dynasty, located in the western part of the Abu Sir archaeological site.

Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities explained that the cache was found inside a huge well measuring 5.3 x 5.3 meters, and more than 14 meters deep, containing unique mummification materials, consisting of 370 large-sized pottery vessels pided into 14 groups. Each group includes from 7 to 52 pots used during the mummification process.

Waziri pointed out that in the upper group of pots, four empty limestone Canopic pots were found and engraved with hieroglyphic texts in the name of their owner, a person named "Wah Eib Ra-Mri-Net" or the son of women called Arturo.

Miroslav Barta, Head of the Czech Archaeological Mission of the Czech Institute of Egyptology pointed out that "the year 2021 was part of a long-term project aimed at uncovering antiquities dating back to an era when ancient Egyptian society was looking for new ways to preserve the unique Egyptian identity."

Barta added that the tombs of Abu Sir, which were built in a similar way to pyramid of Djoser, the most famous, played a major role in showing the unique Egyptian culture of that period.

Mohamed Megahed, Deputy Director of the Czech Mission confirmed that archaeological excavations will continue in the area this year, adding that the contents of the potteries will be examined using modern scientific methods.