In a groundbreaking discovery, an Egyptian-French archaeological mission, conducted by the Centre Français d’Études et de Documentation sur le Temple de Karnak (CFEETK) in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the French National Centre for Scientific Research, has unveiled a stunning collection of jewelry, amulets, and rings dating back to the early 26th Dynasty. The artifacts were uncovered during excavation work in the northwestern sector of the Karnak Temple complex.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, expressed his appreciation for this fruitful collaboration, noting that the project forms part of a major initiative aimed at enhancing the visitor experience at the Karnak Temples. The project is focused on upgrading the open-air museum area, improving services, and creating a more accessible and engaging environment for tourists. Among the key developments are newly updated visitor pathways, an advanced lighting system, and the restoration and reassembly of the shrine of King Amenhotep I.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the immense historical value of this discovery, which offers new insights into the evolution of the Karnak Temple during the first millennium BC. “This find is a significant contribution to understanding the temple’s development and its role in Egyptian history,” he said.
The jewelry was discovered within a small, broken pottery vessel that, remarkably, remained largely intact. The condition of the items is extraordinary, with each piece preserved well enough to provide a clear window into the artistry and craftsmanship of the time. Among the treasures are gold rings, amulets, and a small gold statuette depicting the ancient Egyptian deities Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Additionally, there are intricately designed animal-shaped amulets and a brooch, alongside numerous beads, some of which are gilded.
The head of the Egyptian antiquities sector, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Badi, elaborated on the significance of the find, noting that the collection offers a rare glimpse into the personal adornments used during the period. “These artifacts are a reflection of both the artistic creativity and the religious practices of the time,” he said.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar Wagdy, Director of Luxor Antiquities and head of the Egyptian side of the mission, confirmed that the team is currently working on the restoration and documentation of the discoveries. Once preserved, these items will be displayed in the Luxor Museum, providing a tangible connection to the past for visitors and scholars alike.
From the French side, Dr. Jérémie Hordian, the head of the mission, stated that the archaeological team continues its research efforts in the area north of the Karnak Temple. This region has yielded several massive mudbrick structures, likely used as workshops or storage spaces associated with the temple or other nearby religious sites from the early 26th Dynasty.
This discovery underscores the significance of ongoing archaeological work at Karnak, shedding light on a pivotal period in ancient Egyptian history and contributing valuable knowledge about the civilization’s material culture, religious practices, and architectural advancements. As excavations continue, it is anticipated that further discoveries will deepen our understanding of the grandeur of the Karnak Temple and its role in the religious and cultural life of ancient Egypt.
