Assassif (Egypte): The tomb of the 26th dynasty ruler of Upper Egypt uncovered

Ministry of Antiquities

Source - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ministry-of-Antiquities/336764893195328

The Egyptian-American mission working at the South Asasif Conservation Project discovered the 26th Dynasty tomb of "Padibastet", Overseer of Upper Egypt, High Stewart of the God's Wife.. Declared Dr. Eldamaty, Minister of Antiquities.

The importance of the discovery, added Eldamaty, lies in shedding more light on the planning of the Nobles tombs during this time, explaining that research on the titles and parents' names of Padibastet, done by Dr. Erhart Graefe, a team member of the Project, suggests that he is a previously unknown grandson of "Pabasa" whose imposing tomb in the North Asasif is known as TT 279.

On the other hand, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities' Sector, Mahmoud Afify said that this tomb lies within the tomb of " Karabasken TT 391", the Mayor of Thebes and Fourth Priest of Amun during the Twenty fifth Dynasty. Padibastet, a high official during the 26th Dynasty, must have usurped this tomb.

Afify also added that recent excavations in the sun court of "Karabasken" tomb revealed a large number of architectural and decorative features designed for "Padibastet" and is suitable for his ranks.

Mission Director, "Elena Pischikova" finally assumes that "Padibastet" was buried in the tomb of Karabasken in the court shaft or in the main burial chamber. Further clearing of the court and burial chamber in the following seasons will yield more information.

The MoA conservation team reconstructed the entrance area by reinstalling a one-meter-long lintel and a number of carved fragments found in the debris of the court.