Season 2022

The focus of this first full season was the documentation of over 1000 wall and statue fragments discovered in the tomb during the pilot season. Their initial inventory includes the detailed description, measurement, and drawing of these fragments. So far, over 600 fragments have been registered, professionally cleaned, and restored where necessary. 200 of them could be documented and studied in detail. In addition, 42 statue fragments could be consolidated and reconstructed based on significant remaining elements. The photographic documentation of these materials includes 3D images of the statue fragments that will be used to create models of the two statues of Ipuy and his wife Duaemerres.

The survey of the entire funerary complex was also continued, focusing initially on the archaeological and topographical documentation of the courtyard, as well as the relocation of shaft P 1019. Our partners at the University of York/SwissTopo performed a geological stability assessment in order to secure future work, especially in the rock-cut chambers.

The season was kindly funded by Alumni Basel (Annual Giving 2021) and the University of Basel. The Mehen foundation provided funds to begin the restoration of the decorated wall and statue fragments.