Elfeki: “The BA Continues to Support Zahi Hawass Center of Egyptology, and Saqqara’s Discovery Today is a Message to the Whole World”
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The Bibliotheca Alexandrina announced a number of archaeological discoveries in the Saqqara Necropolis archaeological site, most notably the funerary temple of Queen Sesheshet, the mother of King Teti, as well as several burial shafts, sarcophagi and mummies that date back to the New Kingdom (3000 BC). The discoveries also included a 4m papyrus featuring some excerpts from the 17th chapter of the Book of the Dead, in addition to a collection of wooden statues, panels, games, and masks.
Dr. Moustafa Elfeki, Director of the BA, was quoted as saying, “I am very pleased to take part in the announcement of these major archaeological discoveries in Saqqara, which were carried out by the BA Zahi Hawass Center of Egyptology, and which broke new ground in the process of unearthing Pharaonic antiquities in this region.”
He added that the BA is proud of this monumental undertaking that was spearheaded by the renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, and that these discoveries are only the beginning of a series of archaeological discoveries executed by the Zahi Hawass Center of Egyptology, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. He dedicated these discoveries to the Egyptian people, to help them know more about their great ancestors and their magnificent Pharaonic history. Moreover, he noted that the BA is the first major international library to endorse archaeological excavations, particularly in a country like Egypt, with its long and inspiring history.
Furthermore, the mission discovered a large number of artefacts and statues that portray deities, such as the god Osiris and Ptah-Soker-Osiris. Other artefacts in the shape of birds, such as geese, were also unveiled, together with a bronze ax that denotes that it belongs to an army leader during the New Kingdom.
The mission also uncovered a mud-brick warehouse that dates back to the New Kingdom, with a 24m shaft, the end of which is yet to be discovered.
Dr. Hawass asserted that these discoveries represent the most important archaeological breakthrough of the year, which will render Saqqara a paramount tourist and cultural destination. He also maintained that these treasures will re-write the history of Saqqara in the New Kingdom, and emphasize the importance of worshipping King Teti during the 19th dynasty of that same kingdom.