The tomb of Khuwy at Djedkare’s royal cemetery at South Saqqara. Preliminary report on the 2019 spring season

Abstract

The royal necropolis surrounding the pyramid complex of Djedkare at South Saqqara is largely unexplored. In the 2019 spring season, the Egyptian mission uncovered a large mastaba in the north-east part of the necropolis. This tomb belonged to Khuwy, and it boasts some features with royal connotations, including an altar with two Sn-symbols, the plan of the substructure reflecting the royal pyramids, and mummification of the body of the owner. In addition, the tomb provides us with one of the earliest attested decorated burial chambers, specifically the antechamber in the substructure. The wall paintings, which are very well preserved, comprise many motifs related to the provisioning of the deceased, as attested in later Old Kingdom examples of decorated burial chambers. Besides this, however, these paintings include some themes uncommon in substructures at that time, namely the tomb owner sitting at an offering table and sailing boats. The uncovered evidence seems to point to a late Fifth Dynasty date of the tomb (perhaps Djedkare/Unas) and indicates a high social status of the tomb owner, Khuwy, who was highly likely very close to the royal family.

Keywords

• old kingdom
• south saqqara
• djedkare
• pyramid complex
• mastaba
• khuwy
• decorated burial chamber