Lacking the security clearance has made us to postpone slightly our archaeological work at Deir el-Bahari, although the team is in good spirit and we are willing to initiate our field season. Considering that today was another day for organizing our work, we have not had breakfast by 6 AM as it should usually be in working days but at 9 AM, which no doubt was a relieve for those who arrived to Luxor in the previous night. After our breakfast, we have organized working groups to continue with the preparations and plans. Despite the situation, these two days will be good for doing more planning and for trying to recover from the couple of days lost in the beginning of this season.
In the morning, Antonio has been speaking to one of the sector heads, Sebastian, who arrived yesterday. The German archaeologist will be responsible for the excavations in the Eastern sector, where we think there is a tomb that has not been plundered from antiquity. We also believe that it is important to follow a clear plan in this area to make sure we prepare this sector of the necropolis for future excavations. A fundamental question associated with this sector of the necropolis is to understand the reasons for the presence of tombs from later periods in this area, such as the case of Neferhotep (TT 316), dating to the late Twelfth or early Thirteenth Dynasty. Previously, Antonio had discussed some tasks with another sector head, Mohamed Osman, who will be responsible for the excavation of the middle courtyard area in Ipi´s complex. Another sector head, the archaeologist Kelly Accetta, will join the group in a couple of days. Other meetings have occurred during the day, including some chats between the moudir and Lisa Kruck (for defining her role in the tomb of Henenu), with Kei Yamamoto (about the intensive work to be done with the ceramics), with our photographer Patri Mora (about the photographic program to be developed in the site and for the web), and with Rawda and Ahmed (about the important role that they are going to face dealing with wall paintings, textiles and cartonnage fragments, and stone fragments with reliefs). Besides, Sebastian and Mohamed have been discussing with their colleagues the specific plans of work for the first days in the site.
In the afternoon, the team has decided to go out for a walk. We have continued discussing various aspects, ideas and possible solutions for our current situation. We have passed by the temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu, where some of us have discussed the inscriptional programs of the kings in the Middle and New Kingdoms. Then, we reached the plain of Malqata, where one finds the remains of the famous palace of Amenhotep III. Here, mudbrick structures, galleries, chambers, and rooms constitute a labyrinthian complex that once was an impressive palace.
