Ricerche archeologiche nella regione tra Assuan e Kom Ombo (Università di Bologna, Università di Yale). Rapporto sulle campagne 2018-2020.

This article focuses on the results of the 2018-2020 survey and excavation campaigns of the Aswan-Kom Ombo Archaeological Project (AKAP) in selected areas in the region between Aswan and Kom Ombo. In particular, the Pan-Grave cemetery in Sheikh Mohamed (SM14), dating from the end of the Middle Kingdom and the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period, has been partially excavated. Despite the poor state of conservation because of plundering activities, it has been possible to collect many Nubian and Egyptian pottery fragments, beads made in stone, faïence and ostrich eggshell, mother-of-pearl spacers, matting and leather fragments, few animal bones. Human remains from T5 and T24 belonging to two young women have been analysed and showed many health issues: the deceased from T24 was pregnant (37-41 weeks), but the severe anteversion (torsion) of both femora as well as the new reactive bone on the left pubic symphyseal surface of the pelvis impeded the birthing process. Selected areas in Gharb Aswan, in Wadi Kubbaniya and in the Eastern Desert have also been surveyed and risk assessment monitoring has been undergone. Many stone structures, tumuli, rock tombs, rock art drawings and inscriptions and Palaeolithic concentrations have been documented. Unfortunately, many sites are threatened by the expansion of agricultural fields, building activities and the presence of modern quarries for stone and clay procurement. Lastly, some important discoveries might be reported: in the well-known rock art site of Nag el-Hamdulab, a totally unknown rock art panel have been discovered and documented; in Wadi Ras Ras, a painted panel located under a small overhang has been found, as well as a series of hunting scenes and rock drawings. Further investigations are necessary for a better understanding of the site.