Papers by Ahmed M . Mekawy Ouda
Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 107 , 2021
This paper re-publishes the shabtis of Yuya, father of Queen Tiye and father-in-law of King Amenh... more This paper re-publishes the shabtis of Yuya, father of Queen Tiye and father-in-law of King Amenhotep III, which are kept at the Egyptian Museum Cairo (CG 51024-34, 51036) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (MMA 30.8.56-30.8.58). The latter were excluded from the 1908 publication by J. E. Quibell which lacks adequate images, or even images altogether (OEB 147907). It also presents a "model" of three shabtis to represent the entire set, though it is challenging to find two identical shabti texts. The aim of this paper is to study the state of preservation of these shabtis, as it has not been addressed since the discovery of the tomb (KV46) in 1905,4 especially considering seven shabtis in the Egyptian Museum Cairo were looted on the "Friday of Anger", on 28 January 2011. It presents a full transcription, translation and commentary on the entire set, highlighting the similarities and differentiation between the texts on the shabtis and whether they were made by a single artist or different sculptors. It also investigates the titles of the owner, his name and the facial features.
Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 108, 2022
This paper investigates the shabtis of Tjuyu (CG 51037–51040), the wife of the "god's father", Yu... more This paper investigates the shabtis of Tjuyu (CG 51037–51040), the wife of the "god's father", Yuya, and mother of Queen Tiye, the wife of the famous King Amenhotep III. In the author's previous article (OEB 296112), the shabtis of her husband Yuya which are kept at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (CG 51024–34, CG 51036) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (MMA 30.8.56–30.8.58) were investigated. The present paper explores the state of preservation of Tjuyu's shabtis, which have not been studied since the discovery of the tomb of Yuya and Tjuyu (KV46) in 1905, as well as their inscriptions, which were not copied, and their form, decoration, and manufacture. A comparison with the shabtis of Yuya further highlights differences in materials, methods of manufacture, and style of inscriptions.
The world of Middle Kingdom III: Contributions on archaeology, art, religion, and written sources, 2022
This paper investigates the wooden kohl tube of Weserhat at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo (CG 4470... more This paper investigates the wooden kohl tube of Weserhat at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo (CG 44703/JE 18553). The database of the museum reports that it was found at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna in 1862. However, the method of acquisition is unknown, and the database does not provide a date for this object. This paper reconstructs the archaeological context of this kohl tube, based on other findings of cosmetic objects. It also presents a full transcription, translation, and palaeography for the inscriptions. Moreover, it looks at the name of the owner, searching for a possible attribution for this kohl tube, especially as the name of Weserhat was common and is attested in many Theban tombs.
Miniaci, Gianluca and Wolfram Grajetzki (eds), The world of Middle Kingdom III: Contributions on archaeology, art, religion, and written sources, 2022
This paper explores seven oyster shells at the Egyptian Museum Cairo (CG 12825-12829, JE 28320, J... more This paper explores seven oyster shells at the Egyptian Museum Cairo (CG 12825-12829, JE 28320, JE 91753). CG 12825-12829 and JE 28320 were moved recently to the Grand Egyptian Museum. The author reconstructs the archaeological context for these shells, looking at the method and date of acquisition, especially comparing the recent excavations by the Spanish mission of the University of Jaén at Qubbet el-Hawa, that revealed an intact burial (QH 34bb) from the Middle Kingdom, containing an oyster shell with the royal throne name of Kheperkare. This discovery throws new light on the chronology, gender of the owners and their social position, archaeological context, and function of these oyster shells.
Shedet 9, 2022
This paper examines the different early attestations of the name of the broad collar, also known ... more This paper examines the different early attestations of the name of the broad collar, also known as the wesekh (wsx). Earlier studies on this type of collar determined that its name is first attested in the Middle Kingdom. However, research by Christiane Ziegler and Edward Brovarski (OEB 37561) has revealed an earlier attestation of the name in the chapel of Akhethotep (Louvre E 10958 [A]) of the Fifth Dynasty. This article presents different perspectives on the name of the wesekh-collar, examining the various attestations in their contexts, its orthography, and whether the way of writing the name differs from one site to another. It also evaluates whether the words nbw and xAt designate the wesekh-collar, as well as looking at the relationship between the word and the image.
Papers from the Institute of Archaeology, 2019
Closing Comment We would like to thank the respondents to our paper for their contributions to th... more Closing Comment We would like to thank the respondents to our paper for their contributions to the unfolding debate over Brexit and its relationship to archaeology and heritage. These essays reflect in diverse ways the complex intersection of the scholarly, the political and the personal that has perhaps always been with us, and increasingly commented upon, but which Brexit has brought to a moment of crisis from which we can only hope a positive outcome is still salvageable. Since writing the Changing Europe 2017), o sector (Schlanger 2017). M perhaps, the tone of de in some media outlets h further and universities i come under attack as ba erism'. Just prior to writi Conservative politician Ch MP was in the news for se about the teaching of Brex all UK universities (BBC 201 motivation behind this, the FORUM
Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, 2018
The hieratic stela (TR. 27.6.24.3) in the Egyptian Museum Cairo represents an interesting deposit... more The hieratic stela (TR. 27.6.24.3) in the Egyptian Museum Cairo represents an interesting deposition which belongs to the sandal maker, Penone, and a woman named Ta‘at. This stela represents one of the earliest known incised hieratic examples from the Ramesside Period. The article presents a full transcription and translation with commentary on the text. Particular attention is paid to the palaeography of the text. It also shows the purpose of writing this kind of subject on this stela instead of an ostracon or papyrus. The choice of the hieratic rather than the hieroglyphic script for this stela is examined as well. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5913/jarce.54.2018.a008
The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 2020
This paper explores 32 inscribed objects from foundation deposits of the Temple of Thutmose III, ... more This paper explores 32 inscribed objects from foundation deposits of the Temple of Thutmose III, Djeserakhet, at Deir el-Bahari. They contain ointment jars, chisels, saws, axes, surveyor’s stakes, ‘Opening of the Mouth’ adzes, a grinder, and a model of a rocker. They are kept at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the museum database records that they were found at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna; however, the method of acquisition is unknown. This paper evaluates these pieces of information in light of the inscriptions on these objects and other objects from foundation deposits for the same king from the same site, Djeserakhet (which are scattered in different museums around the world), to reconstruct their archaeological context. This paper also notes the current museum inventory numbers of these objects to create a network of the entire group. It closely scrutinizes these objects, their inscriptions, the techniques used for engraving them, and the addressed deity
CdE, 2020
Ahmad Lutfi al-Sayyid (1872-1963) was an Egyptian lawyer, journalist, intellectual, and anti-colo... more Ahmad Lutfi al-Sayyid (1872-1963) was an Egyptian lawyer, journalist, intellectual, and anti-colonial activist (Fig. 1). He is widely considered one of the most influential scholars in the history of Egypt, leading the reform of Egyptian modernism and liberalism. He held many political and non-political positions, and academic posts, for example, he was the first director of Cairo University. His writings on Ancient Egypt were produced during an era when the contributions of leading Egyptian academic figures were sadly overlooked. Egyptian academics, for example Ahmad Kamal Pasha (1851-1923), largely marginalised within their own field, struggled to obtain positions whilst foreign Egyptologists actively excavated and governed the direction that the development of Egypt’s heritage would take. The writings of Ahmad Lutfi al-Sayyid implored Egyptians to visit Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman and Islamic archaeological sites and to embrace the unique aspects of their culture and heritage. He used these values to evoke the spirit of Egyptian nationalism, which could be used for the development and progress of their country, in order to free Egypt from the British occupation. This paper will examine the content and context of his writings in a tumultuous period of Egypt’s history
BIFAO, 2019
This paper presents new evidence for the function and chronology of Middle Kingdom oyster shells,... more This paper presents new evidence for the function and chronology of Middle Kingdom oyster shells, and the gender of their owners, taking the inscribed oyster shell of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA 23.2.76a), as a case-study. It offers a critical analysis of the early publication of this oyster shell and further discusses the function, date, and gender of the owner.
Papers from the Institute of Archaeology, 2019
The paper offers an interesting perspective on the Petrie Museum, both as an institution (histori... more The paper offers an interesting perspective on the Petrie Museum, both as an institution (historical, academic, etc.) and as an ongoing promoter of public engagement (whether they be from the UK, Egypt or other countries). My personal and interesting experience as an Egyptian, who has experienced the Petrie Museum, is presented here..
Chronique d'Egypte, 2019
This paper examines two inscribed Middle Kingdom oyster shells from Esna: Israel Museum Jerusalem... more This paper examines two inscribed Middle Kingdom oyster shells from Esna: Israel Museum Jerusalem (hereafter called “IMJ”) 76.19.198, and National Museums Liverpool, World Museum 1977.110.1. The current location of these two oyster shells since their discovery during the excavations by J. Garstang in 1905-06 was unknown until D. Downes tracked down and identified the National Museums Liverpool, World Museum 1977.110.1 almost seventy years later. IMJ 76.19.198 was identified by the author. These two shells were not listed in the study of H. Winlock, so two new oyster shells can now be added to the list of well-documented excavations. Although the importance, function, gender of the owner, and chronology of oyster shells in general, were discussed in detail in another article, this paper will review their known archaeological contexts.
Göttinger Miszellen, 2019
MEMNONIA, 2017
This report presents the results of the archaeological excavation at the
Theban tomb of Paser (TT... more This report presents the results of the archaeological excavation at the
Theban tomb of Paser (TT367) located in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, on the West bank of the Nile. The excavation began on December 16, 2017 and ended on January 3, 2018.
JARCE, 2018
The hieratic stela (TR. 27.6.24.3) in the Egyptian Museum Cairo represents an interesting deposit... more The hieratic stela (TR. 27.6.24.3) in the Egyptian Museum Cairo represents an interesting deposition which belongs to the sandal maker, Penōne, and a woman named Ta’at. This stela represents one of the earliest known incised hieratic examples from the Ramesside Period. The article presents a full transcription and translation with commentary on the text. Particular attention is paid to the palaeography of the text. It also shows the purpose of writing this kind of subject on this stela instead of an ostracon or papyrus. The choice of the hieratic rather than the hieroglyphic script for this stela is examined as well.
Göttinger Miszellen, 2018
This paper examines the epithets of Werethekau on the Ramesside limestone rounded-top stela of P... more This paper examines the epithets of Werethekau on the Ramesside limestone rounded-top stela of Pennefru in the British Museum London (EA812). The provenance of this stela was not recorded, but internal evidence suggests Deir el-Medina; the owner of the stela held the title “Guardian of the Place of Truth in the West [of Thebes]”. Earlier studies miscopied and misinterpreted one of the crucial and principal epithets of Werethekau, “lady of the palace”, on this stela. This article presents evidence for the new reading and interpretation.
MDAIK, 2017
This paper addresses nine shabtis for the ‘God’s Father’, Panebmontu. Five shabtis are kept at th... more This paper addresses nine shabtis for the ‘God’s Father’, Panebmontu. Five shabtis are kept at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology (UC40419, 402054–57). These figures were not published in Petrie’s catalogue of the shabtis of University College and the museum’s catalogue does not register their provenance or the acquisition date. The other four shabtis, having the same name, titles, and stylistic backgrounds, are preserved at the World Museum, Liverpool (52.55.106 and 36.119.116), Manchester Museum (4677), and a ninth is from a private collection, sold at Bonhams Lot 4774. This paper presents a description for these shabtis and investigates the inscriptions and the titles of the owner. This analysis, along with the search for other objects for the same person, may aid in re-establishing the archaeological context.
This study examines the false door in the Theban tomb of Paser,
Captain of Archers in the reign o... more This study examines the false door in the Theban tomb of Paser,
Captain of Archers in the reign of Amenhotep II in the New Kingdom
(ca. 1427 BC–1400 BC). There are few studies related to the tomb except the work of Ahmed Fakhry in 1934-35. This article presents the first complete study for the scenes and the inscriptions of the false door, matching the scenes of the opening of the mouth ritual on the current false-door with Otto’s study
l'Institut français d'archéologie orientale, 2016
This paper republishes the votive stela of Nfr-rnpt at the Egyptian Museum Cairo
(inv. Nr. TR 14.... more This paper republishes the votive stela of Nfr-rnpt at the Egyptian Museum Cairo
(inv. Nr. TR 14.6.24.17). It was published previously in 1936 by P. Labib, but this study did not give a hieroglyphic transcription of the stela.1 The translation of the inscriptions also needs to be revised. Additionally, P. Labib overlooked the work of A. Mariette which indicates that this stela came from Abydos, so the provenance needs no longer be based on assumption. Furthermore, the previous publication did not offer a commentary on the stela—on the titles of the owner, or the costume of the figures shown which help to identify the chronology. Thus, the present paper will investigate the history of the publication of the stela which has never been completely discussed. Secondly, the complete transcription for the stela, as well as a transliteration, a translation and a commentary on the inscriptions and titles of the owner will be given. The approach focuses on a newly facsimile of the stela, in order to point out the elements that previous studies did not remark.
Uploads
Papers by Ahmed M . Mekawy Ouda
Theban tomb of Paser (TT367) located in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, on the West bank of the Nile. The excavation began on December 16, 2017 and ended on January 3, 2018.
Captain of Archers in the reign of Amenhotep II in the New Kingdom
(ca. 1427 BC–1400 BC). There are few studies related to the tomb except the work of Ahmed Fakhry in 1934-35. This article presents the first complete study for the scenes and the inscriptions of the false door, matching the scenes of the opening of the mouth ritual on the current false-door with Otto’s study
(inv. Nr. TR 14.6.24.17). It was published previously in 1936 by P. Labib, but this study did not give a hieroglyphic transcription of the stela.1 The translation of the inscriptions also needs to be revised. Additionally, P. Labib overlooked the work of A. Mariette which indicates that this stela came from Abydos, so the provenance needs no longer be based on assumption. Furthermore, the previous publication did not offer a commentary on the stela—on the titles of the owner, or the costume of the figures shown which help to identify the chronology. Thus, the present paper will investigate the history of the publication of the stela which has never been completely discussed. Secondly, the complete transcription for the stela, as well as a transliteration, a translation and a commentary on the inscriptions and titles of the owner will be given. The approach focuses on a newly facsimile of the stela, in order to point out the elements that previous studies did not remark.
Theban tomb of Paser (TT367) located in Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, on the West bank of the Nile. The excavation began on December 16, 2017 and ended on January 3, 2018.
Captain of Archers in the reign of Amenhotep II in the New Kingdom
(ca. 1427 BC–1400 BC). There are few studies related to the tomb except the work of Ahmed Fakhry in 1934-35. This article presents the first complete study for the scenes and the inscriptions of the false door, matching the scenes of the opening of the mouth ritual on the current false-door with Otto’s study
(inv. Nr. TR 14.6.24.17). It was published previously in 1936 by P. Labib, but this study did not give a hieroglyphic transcription of the stela.1 The translation of the inscriptions also needs to be revised. Additionally, P. Labib overlooked the work of A. Mariette which indicates that this stela came from Abydos, so the provenance needs no longer be based on assumption. Furthermore, the previous publication did not offer a commentary on the stela—on the titles of the owner, or the costume of the figures shown which help to identify the chronology. Thus, the present paper will investigate the history of the publication of the stela which has never been completely discussed. Secondly, the complete transcription for the stela, as well as a transliteration, a translation and a commentary on the inscriptions and titles of the owner will be given. The approach focuses on a newly facsimile of the stela, in order to point out the elements that previous studies did not remark.