The fourth season of the TT 217 project investigating the tomb of Ipuy took place between 11.01.-15.02.2024. The team consisted of Kathrin Gabler (head of the team, Egyptologist), Rahel Glanzmann (Egyptologist), Martina Landrino (Egyptologist, illustrator), Matthew Perras (geologist), Julie Schwartzlose Christensen (MA student, Egyptology), Simone Willemoes (MA student, Assyriology), Alina Zalunardo (MA student, Egyptology).

The focus of the season lay on the documentation and study of the many artefacts discovered while re-opening shaft P 1019 in 2023. The different object groups were investigated and documented, in particular small finds, like shabtis, ostraca, and clay figures. In several cases, drawings and photos for publication could be prepared. A special focus went to the cleaning, documentation, and reconstruction of the pottery, which reveal several highlight pieces. 

Additionally, great progress was achieved in the documentation of the wall fragments, mainly belonging to the polychrome decorated chapel of TT 217. The team managed the detailed description, measurement and drawing of 500 pieces. Many fragments could be joined and adjusted to their origins: scenes, motifes and the separation by content has started. By now, it has become clear that 70 % originate from the decorated chapel, but 30 % from another structure in polychrome decoration. According to the first analysis of the scenes, these fragments show seated gods, funerary landscape and banquett scenes. This achievement leads the way to start work on the reconstruction of wall plans in the next season.

Room VI was cleaned and documented (with photos and photogrammetric models), and their geological stability analysed. The cleaning was possible due to the close cooperation with the mission’s anthropologists led by A. Austin and the textile expert C. Spinazzi-Lucchesi. Room VI serves now also as a magazine, equipped with metal shelves for the human remains as well as for other finds related to TT 217. The cooperation partner of the University of York continued a geological stability assessment. The monitoring of the rock includes the installation of crack metres and temperature loggers to record temperature and humidity in the future. 

The season was funded by the German Archaeological Institute, Cairo department.