Archaeologists have uncovered a previously unknown tomb in the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, revealing colourful wall paintings and inscriptions that identify its owner as a man named Paser.
The discovery was made by a Dutch archaeological mission from Leiden University, led by Dr Karina van den Hoeven, during the current excavation season at the Jabanat el-Qurna site. The excavation forms part of a long-term research project investigating the Lower Sheikh Abd el-Qurna area and its extensive New Kingdom cemetery.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the tomb lies east of Tomb No. 45, where the mission has been conducting archaeological investigations in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities since 2018. The project combines excavation with conservation and risk management measures aimed at protecting the archaeological landscape while producing the first comprehensive study of the area.
Study of the inscriptions has identified the tomb owner as Paser, with officials noting that the artistic style of the inscriptions also points to a New Kingdom date.
“The team will continue documenting and studying the tomb to identify those buried within it and reconstruct their identities,” said Dr Hisham Al-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. He added that the research will also examine the cemetery within its wider historical and archaeological context to better understand the development of Lower Sheikh Abd el-Qurna and its surrounding funerary landscape.
The tomb follows the typical architectural plan of elite private tombs from the New Kingdom at Thebes. It consists of an open courtyard leading to a rock-cut chapel with a T-shaped layout, beneath which lie underground burial chambers.
Archaeologists also identified several well-preserved architectural features within the courtyard, including mudbrick walls containing a niche designed to hold a funerary stela, along with a staircase flanked by ramps leading to the entrance of the tomb.
Inside, surviving inscriptions repeatedly mention Paser by name. Although sections of the painted decoration remain covered by a thin layer of sediment, visible scenes depict the tomb owner worshipping before several deities within shrine settings. Other surviving paintings show Paser alongside his wife seated before an offering table, a common motif in New Kingdom funerary art symbolising the provision of sustenance in the afterlife.
Dr Karina van den Hoeven said the mission plans to begin structural stabilisation, conservation and restoration of the painted decorations during future excavation seasons. She added that continued work at the site is expected to produce further discoveries that will enhance understanding of the Theban necropolis and the individuals buried there.
Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy praised the work of archaeological missions operating across the country, noting that such discoveries continue to reveal new aspects of ancient Egyptian civilisation while reinforcing Egypt’s position as one of the world’s leading archaeological destinations.
Sources : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
