An Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Sheikh Soby archaeological site in Egypt’s Bahariya Oasis has uncovered three ancient tombs representing distinct architectural styles, alongside a collection of mummies, coffins, and votive artifacts. The discovery was announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, providing new insights into the historical layers and burial traditions of the region.
Led by Sabry Farag, Director General of Antiquities of the Bahariya Oasis, the excavation team uncovered the tombs during their current season at the site. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stated that the findings are particularly significant because they offer fresh evidence regarding the history of the Bahariya Oasis and shed deeper light on ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Sheikh Soby site functions as an important necropolis for the rulers and priests of the Bahariya Oasis, dating back to the Late Period. Carved into an archaeological hill bearing the same name, the location sits near the Temple of El-Bawiti, which was constructed during the 26th Dynasty by oasis ruler Jed-Khonsu-iuf-ankh in honor of King Ahmose II.
Distinct Architectural Styles and Burial Chambers
According to Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the newly uncovered structures feature three different architectural designs. Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, detailed the layout of the first structure, a rock-cut collective tomb carved into sandstone that researchers believe held a family of five.
The first tomb consists of a square shaft approximately three meters deep that leads to two burial chambers. The western chamber is small and rectangular, housing a limestone coffin with a linen-wrapped mummy placed in a floor recess—a practice characteristic of Late Period tombs at the location. The northern chamber is larger and rectangular, containing four additional limestone coffins, each holding a linen-wrapped mummy.
The second structure is an undecorated tomb featuring a small shaft that leads to a three-step staircase ending in a burial chamber. Archaeological indicators suggest this tomb was never utilized for actual burials. The third structure follows a shaft-tomb design, consisting of a rectangular shaft with an entrance opening into a small, open-roofed hall. Archaeologists suggest this hall functioned as a ceremonial space to receive mummies during burial rites before transfer to final resting places.
The hall opens into two burial chambers. The southern chamber yielded fragments of a pottery coffin, while the eastern chamber contained a limestone coffin with a partially missing lid. Additionally, four small openings appeared on the eastern, northern, and western walls of the shaft. Excavations at the eastern opening revealed a subsidiary burial holding a fractured cylindrical pottery coffin whose lid features a prominent relief of a human face with defined features.
Artifacts, Votive Figurines, and Future Excavations
Qutb Fawzy, Head of the Central Administration for Cairo and Giza Antiquities, reported that the mission recovered a diverse array of archaeological objects. These finds include pottery vessels, small bottles, and plates of various shapes and sizes, alongside offering tables carved from limestone and sandstone.
The mission also unearthered several terracotta votive figurines, featuring representations of maternal figures and stylized animal forms. Mission head Sabry Farag noted that field operations will persist in upcoming excavation seasons given the site’s rich archaeological value. Researchers hope future digging will reveal succeeding generations of oasis inhabitants, expanding the historical record of the area.
Scholars note that the discoveries build upon a long history of exploration in the region. Egyptologist Dr. Hassan Selim told Arab News that artifacts from the site display a distinct artistic character where local artists did not strictly adhere to traditional styles, adding to the broader understanding of regional culture and daily life in ancient Egypt.