Embalming deposit of Wahibremeryneit from Abusir – a preliminary report of the 2022 spring season

Abstract

In the 2021 archaeological season at Abusir, the shaft of the tomb of Wahibremeryneit, containing the largest intact embalming deposit ever found in Egypt was excavated. From about 370 transport amphorae discovered in different states of preservation, more than 250 have been hitherto examined, including a fine assemblage of Greek transport amphorae. Aside from smaller or larger ceramic vessels which were put into amphorae, the other waste embalming material comprised a mixture of sand, lumps of clay/mud, chaff, straw, charcoal, myrrh, fragments of wood and a rather large quantity of decayed linen cloth impregnated with oil and other substances. This embalming deposit is very valuable as it contains all of the materials used by embalmers in the mummification of the body of commander of the troops of Greek mercenaries Wahibremeryneit.

Keywords

• embalming deposit
• wahibremeryneit
• saite persian cemetery
• abusir
• ceramic
• greek amphorae