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Mastaba S3038 at Saqqara: a new perspective on old data

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Ormeling M.

Pražské egyptologické studie (Prague Egyptological Studies)

2019

issue 23

106-124

In 1937 Walter Bryan Emery excavated tomb S3038 at Saqqara and discovered some astonishing new construction features inside. The tomb had a stepped core over the burial chamber, which was built over with two successive platforms, accessible from the outside. The construction showed a succession of stages, defined as changes in design. The shape of the core made Emery think that this tomb was a precursor of the later step pyramids. This hypothesis did not find much support. A re-evaluation from a construction perspective of all available data, including the unpublished field notes of the excavator, leads to different conclusions. Each successive stage was purposefully constructed to fulfil a role in the mortuary practices. In other words, the construction elements were part of a singular and preconceived design. Based on the premise of practices reflected in the construction of this unique tomb, it is also possible to reflect on the design of other tombs of the First Dynasty at Saqqara.

Evidence for local roots of the owners of the First Dynasty elite tombs at Abu Rawash

100%

Ormeling M.

Pražské egyptologické studie (Prague Egyptological Studies)

2022

issue 28

82-121

The status tombs at cemetery M at Abu Rawash share design and layout of the superstructures with elite tombs at other locations, the owners of these tombs are associated with the higher echelons of the state administration in the First Dynasty. The distinct design of their substructures share features with tombs of the middle classes in the cemeteries at the site. A re evaluation of the tomb types shows evidence for three distinct types of substructures of tombs, present in all cemeteries at the site. The distinct differences in design and construction of the substructures are interpreted as belonging to kin groups with each distinct mortuary practices. The mortuary practices were shared by multiple social layers in the local community, including the elite who were buried at cemetery M. A careful analysis of the mortuary landscape of the site, suggests the existence of systems of patronage, most likely based on family or kin group lines. It can be argued that patronage may have been a key factor in the social and economic dynamics of the construction of the status tombs at cemetery M. The resulting social interactions provide a new perspective to assess ownership of the tomb as non royal.

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2 Pražské egyptologické studie (Prague Egyptological Studies)

2 Ormeling M.

1 2022

1 2019

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Mastaba S3038 at Saqqara: a new perspective on old data

Evidence for local roots of the owners of the First Dynasty elite tombs at Abu Rawash