The origin of Egyptian mastabas in the light of research at Tell el-Farkha
author:
Ciałowicz Krzysztof , Dębowska-Ludwin Joanna
journal title:
Études et Travaux
issue:
26
date of publication
:
2013
pages:
153-162
ISSN:
2084-6762
eISSN:
2449-9579
language:
English
journal language:
English
abstract in English:
The origin of the Egyptian mastaba is still a subject of vivid discussion. New evidences connected with the beginnings of mastaba were discovered during excavations at Tell el-Farkha. On the Eastern Kom a monumental, almost square (16.9 x 18.1m) mud-brick structure, dated on Naqada IIIA2/B1, composed of five
rooms surrounded by massive walls was discovered. In the eastern façade a row of niches is clear and in the main chamber 1.5m deep shaft, lined with bricks, was discovered. Few other graves from the site, dated to Naqada IIIB, had undoubtedly mastaba form with a large, free-standing superstructure and niches in at least one façade. Up till now, they are among the oldest Egyptian mastabas.