An Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Heritage and Antiquities has uncovered a cache of painted wooden coffins containing mummies, along with a group of rare papyri dating to the Third Intermediate Period.
The discovery was made during excavation work in the south-western corner of the courtyard of the Tomb of Seneb in the Qurna area on Luxor’s West Bank.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, described the find as a significant addition to Egypt’s growing record of major archaeological discoveries. He said the excavation reflects the state’s continued support for archaeological research under a comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving cultural heritage and highlighting its civilisational and human value.
The minister added that the ministry places strong emphasis on the scientific study and conservation accompanying such discoveries to ensure their preservation in line with the highest international standards. The artefacts will eventually be displayed in a manner befitting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation, further boosting cultural tourism, particularly in Luxor, often described as an open-air museum of human heritage.
Zahi Hawass, former minister of antiquities and head of the mission, described the discovery as “exceptional”, saying it sheds new light on the Third Intermediate Period and provides valuable new insights into this era.
Excavations revealed a rock-cut rectangular chamber used as a funerary storage facility. Inside, archaeologists found 22 painted wooden coffins arranged in multiple layers, reflecting a carefully organised layout. The ancient Egyptians had stacked the coffins in ten horizontal rows, separating lids from bases to maximise the chamber’s capacity.
The mission also uncovered a collection of pottery vessels believed to have been used to store materials associated with the mummification process.
Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said researchers are working to unravel the mystery of the cache and determine the identities of its occupants. Most of the coffins bear professional titles rather than personal names, with the most common being “Chanter” or “Chantress of Amun”, opening new avenues for studying the class of temple singers and religious chanters during the period.
Due to the fragile condition of the wood, the restoration team carried out urgent conservation work, including reinforcing deteriorated fibres, stabilising weakened layers of painted plaster, and conducting delicate mechanical cleaning to remove deposits without affecting the vibrant original colours. Each piece was fully documented through photographic and architectural recording before being transferred to storage.
According to Afifi Rahim, field director of the mission, the cache dates to the Third Intermediate Period (21st-25th Dynasties). Despite the absence of personal names, the presence of mummies inside the coffins makes the find particularly significant. Excavations are ongoing in an effort to locate the original tombs from which the coffins were relocated.
Eight papyri were also discovered inside a large pottery jar, some still bearing their original clay seals. Varying in size, the papyri are considered a major informational treasure. Their contents will be revealed following the completion of restoration and translation work.
