RARE SARCOPHAGUS DISCOVERED IN LUXOR -- DATES TO 17TH DYNASTY

A 17th dynasty painted sarcophagus belonging to a top governmental official was unearthed at Draa Abul-Naga necropolis on Luxor's west bank A Spanish-Egyptian archeological team working on Luxor's west bank has discovered a rare wooden human-shaped sarcophagus from the 17th dynasty.The find came during routine excavation work at the tomb of Djehuty, treasure holder for Queen Hatshepsut, at Dra Abul-Naga necropolis.

The sarcophagus is important for the detailed depictions of bird feather shapes and sizes painted on its lid, motifs that have earned it the title of Feathers Sarcophagi, according to Egypt's antiquities minister Mohamed Ibrahim. The 2 meter long, 42 cm tall sarcophagus is in very good condition, Ibrahim said. Studies reveal that the sarcophagus belongs to a top governmental official from the 17th dynasty, whose mummy was enclosed inside, said Ibrahim. The Spanish mission began excavation work at Djehuty's tomb 13 years ago, when many artifacts from New Kingdom dynasties were found. Excavation at the site remains in full swing, said Gose Galan, head of the Spanish team.

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