Today was once again a very special day at the site. Our dear Patri, the best photographer an archaeological team could wish for, had her birthday. Of course, at the site we celebrated such an event with cake, dancing and singing.

Photo: Mohamed Osman

Despite this special day, Patri has not stopped working. Not only is she finishing photographing all the natron bags, she is also taking care of documenting every detail of the flowers that are appearing in the subsidiary chamber of Ipi’s tomb and the E1 mummy.

Three more members of the team arrived last night: Sergio, Manuel and Enrique. Manuel and Enrique, forensic anthropologists, have already begun to analyse some fragments of mummies found in the first campaigns in the tomb of Ipi. The study of these mummies can help us to better understand mummification techniques, as well as the diet and various pathologies of ancient Egyptians.

Sergio has gone with Carmen and Raul to E1. There he has started to assess the structure of the tomb and to plan what the next steps should be for the excavation to continue safely.

At Henenu’s tomb, sifting of the contents extracted from the corridor, the niches and some of the subsidiary chambers has begun. The excavation of the courtyard is expected to officially begin in the middle of next week.

At Ipi’s tomb, Mohamed and Bea have finished removing all the flowers with the help of the restorers. The garland, the most complex piece, needed the help of the whole restoration team to be removed. Reed has immediately started cleaning it, but due to its size it is likely to take several days of work.

Óscar has been working with Bea, recording all the materials, including a fragment of what appears to be the skin of a crocodile that has appeared in Ipi’s subsidiary chamber.

The afternoon at the Marsam was more relaxed today. With the help of the hotel staff, we gave Patri a surprise, including cake and ice cream. The evening ended on the roof terrace of the hotel, where we relaxed with drinks, dancing, and a game of cards, making the most of the beginning of our weekend.