The Aswan-Kom Ombo Archaeological Project

Transcription

1 The Aswan-Kom Ombo Archaeological Project Yale University - University of Bologna 750, Whitney Ave. #B2 - New Haven, CT USA maria.gatto@yale.edu antonio.curci@unibo.it Preliminary report on the AKAP 2010 field season Introduction The sixth field season of the Aswan-Kom Ombo Archaeological Project (AKAP) has been undertaken from March 6 th to March 31 st Its purpose was: 1) to continue the rescue operation at the Predynastic sites in the area of Nag el-qarmila, north of Kubbaniya; 2) to continue the documentation of the rock inscriptions at Hagar el-ghorab, near the Aswan Bridge; 3) to document the rock art sites in West Bank Aswan and Khor Abu Subeira; 4) to continue the analysis and study of part of the material collection from previous and current years (carried out in the Kom Ombo storeroom). Scientific members of this season were: 1. Maria Carmela Gatto (Co-director), Archaeologist, Yale University 2. Antonio Curci (Co-director), Archeozoologist, University of Bologna 3. Lauren Lippiello, Archaeologist, Yale University 4. Stefano Caruso, Archaeologist, University of Rome La Sapienza 5. Giogia Cappelletti, Archaeologist, University of Bologna 6. Marcel Maree, Egyptologist, The British Museum 7. Mennat-Allah el-dorry, Egyptologyst, SCA 8. Mindy Pitre, Physical Anthropologist, University of Alberta 9. Maria Giovanna Caneschi, Surveyor, University of Bologna 10. Alberto Urcia, Surveyor, University of Bologna 11. Sara Zaia, Surveyor, University of Bologna 12. Alessia D Adamo, Surveyor, University of Bologna 13. Elise Mac Arthur, Student, Oriental Institute Chicago 1

2 Inspectors for the Supreme Council of Antiquities of the Aswan Inspectorate were Karima Mohamed Fahmi, Amira Mohamed Sedik, and Mohamed Gad El-Rab Ahmed. This season work has been funded by the William K. and Marilyn M. Simpson Endowment for Egyptology at Yale University, University of Bologna, The British Museum, The Combined Prehistoric Expedition Foundation, Fondazione Flaminia (Ravenna). The project concession includes the following localities: 1) in the Aswan region (EGSA Map NG36 B3b Aswan fig. 1) Wadi Abu Subeira, for some kilometres along the main wadi and surrounding tributaries; Wadi Kubbaniya, for some kilometres along the main wadi; the west bank of the Nile between Kubbaniya north and Qubbet el-hawa north to include a stretch of some kilometres into the gebel; 2) in the Kom Ombo region (EGSA Map NG36 C1c Wadi Umm Rukbah fig. 1) the desert edge behind the villages of New Qustul and New Tushka, to include Wadi Umm Matras, Wadi el Kharit and Wadi el Lawi, for some kilometres along the main wadi and surrounding tributaries. The documentation of rock art sites in Nag el-hamdulab, Haghar el-ghorab and Khor Abu Subeira (A. Curci, A. Urcia, L. Lippiello, S. Caruso, A. D Adamo) Nag el-hamdulab: NH The rock art site at Nag el-hamdulab was discovered last year and already partially studied in the 2009 field season (Hendrickx and Gatto 2009). The rock art tableaux are all part of the same ideological concept. They represent hunting scenes, particularly bulls hunted by dogs and human figures, and boats processions, the latter with archers and enemies in association. A king with the white crown is standing on top of one of those boats. The main tableau represents a procession of boats, the first of which is towed by four men, superintended by the king, who is surrounded by two standard bearers, one fans bearer and a dog. Unfortunately, the main tableau has been heavily damaged (fig. 2a) but luckily we can rely on old pictures made by Labib Habachi and now housed in the Chicago House in Luxor and gently put on our disposal by the Epigraphic Survey of the University of Chicago Oriental Institute (fig. 2b). Because of similarities between the Nag el-hamdulab tableaux and the Scorpion mace-head, the Narmer mace-head and the Narmer palette, the site has to be tentatively dated to the end of Dynasty 0 - beginning of Dynasty 1. Many similar ritual scenes were found in the desert stretch behind Armant and Naqada, in the Eastern Desert and in Lower Nubia, with the most famous being at Gebel Sheikh Suleiman. However, Naq el-hamdulab is far more complex than the others. These scenes are interpreted as representations of the Jubilee Cycle. Scenes with the same meaning are 2

3 elsewhere present in our concession area, namely at sites KASS1 and SM13. The copy of all the drawings was performed last year. This year the investigation focused on the documentation of the artistic representations with digital archive and 3D reconstruction of the landscape (fig. 3) and the different artistic panels. The digital work was done with a Topcon Image Station (fig. 4). The stereophotogrammetry technique and the software Image Master Pro were used to create a 3D model of the main panels. During the past three months a more systematic and detailed study of the scenes has been undertaken with the collaboration of Stan Hendrickx and John Darnell. According to them the site probably is the most extensive and latest of the Pre-/Proto-dynastic tableaux, and the earliest of the pharaonic cycle of Jubilee imagery, and the most complete thereof prior to probably the reign of Amenhotep III. So far it is difficult to give a name to the king represented at the site; what is known is that this king is in direct chronological relation with the Narmer and Scorpion period. A short, four-sign hieroglyphic annotation appears in the main tableau (fig. 5). John Darnell analyzed it. It shows an animal s head apparently feline over a city sign, apparently a toponym. The following signs are a boat, curved like those in question on the First Dynasty labels, followed by a curve-bladed axe, probably the medjeh-axe the slight protrusion at the back of the blade corresponds to the shape of the usually horizontally oriented medjeh-axes in Early Dynastic palaeography. The term medjeh refers to carpentry, and is employed to describe the construction of a wooden vessel. The annotation to the Hamdulab tableau thus appears to relate to the construction of a ritual vessel at or for a toponym, the name of which is associated with a feline(?) head. The toponym in the Hamdulab annotation recalls the toponyms in the Gebel Sheikh Suleiman tableau from the Second Cataract region. As for the digital work, a virtual restoration of the main scene (fig. 6), together with a 3D reconstruction of the entire wall (fig. 7) and the surrounding landscape (fig. 8) has been performed after the field season. For the first time a damaged artistic work has been virtually restored using old photos: they were put on top of the 3D reconstruction of the scene and thanks to the digital measurements available the photos were shaped to adjust to the 3D surface, overlapping the damaged drawings and filling the gaps left by the damages (fig. 9). The more we study the site and its artistic repertoire, the more we understand the importance it has for the Pre-Protodynastic history in Egypt. At Nag el-hamdulab there is the most complex and probably oldest representation of a royal Jubilee. We want to thank the Aswan Antiquity Department in the name of Dr Mohamed el-bialy and the SCA to have recently stopped a construction project at the site and to have put two guardians watching it. This site definitely needs further attention, particularly for its preservation. 3

4 Wadi Abu Subeira: KASS1 The rock art site designated KASS1 is located within one of the southwestern arms of Wadi Abu Subeira, approximately ten kilometers north of Aswan. The site was first identified by G.W. Murray in 1930, with a preliminary publication by Murray and Myers appearing in the 1933 (Murray and Myers, 1933). Limited rock art is represented in the publication and none of the drawings are to scale. Based on chalking still evident at Location 6, Panel 11 and Location 11, Panel 1, it is likely that Hans Winkler visited the site prior to 1939, as well. This year season we had the opportunity to begin full documentation of the rock art, utilizing a total imaging station to provide a 3D reconstruction of the wadi, stereophotography of the each panel, data collection for individual image (including the condition, patination, and dimensions of every figure), and one-to-one drawings of portions of select scenes. Additional field seasons are necessary to complete documentation of the site. The 3D documentation of the wadi landscape and of all the rock art panels was performed, as in the case of Nag el-hamdulab with a Topcon Image Station and the stereophotogrammetry technique. In the past months the wadi was virtually reconstructed; on the walls of the 3D model every single artistic representation was positioned (figs ). More work has to be done on the 3D visualization of the rock art panels. A short film gives the chance to move inside the wadi watching around from different perspectives. This kind of media reconstruction might be easily applied also for didactic or museum purposes. The rock art at KASS 1 is divided into eleven discrete clusters or locations that are then further subdivided into panels. Over 450 individual figures have been identified. Based on corresponding iconography from both White Cross Line Ware and Decorated Ware, as well as small portable artworks (i.e. models) found in the Nile Valley, rock art from KASS 1 may be dated to the Badarian or Early Naqada Period through the early Dynastic Period, possibly as late at Dynasty 2 (approximately BCE). It is possible, although not yet confirmed, that two images (Location 5, Panel 6) may date to the Epi-paleolithic Period. As is typical for most rock art executed on sandstone surfaces, images are almost exclusively pecked, with little appearance of incised or polished lines. At KASS 1, refined pecking is typical of earlier rock art horizons. KASS1 is unique among rock art sites found near the Nile Valley as well as those found farther in the Western and Eastern Deserts. A proliferation of hunting imagery, including a Badarian or Tasian hunter juxtaposed to two elephants, groups of Predynastic bowmen with feather ornaments, as well as dogs chasing quadrupeds, suggest that ancient activities at KASS1 may have consisted of hunting rituals. A peculiar geological feature in the center of the site, nicknamed the pool, provides additional support for the aforementioned interpretation. The most impressive panel at 4

5 KASS1 is located near this pooling feature. The panel features three boats in procession. The boat highest in the panel is towed by a 31 figures, lateralized to the left. On top of the deck cabin a man in a long robe points left, in the direction of the towers. The figure wears something on his head, probably a feather (fig. 12). Comparisons with similar compositions from the Nile Valley, strongly suggest the scene represents elements of the royal Jubilee or Heb Sed festival. Based on geomorphological data, patination effects, and iconography, it is suggested that KASS 1 is used as a ritual hunting ground beginning during the second half of the 5 th millennium. The site was used over the course of the next 1500 years, for much the same purpose. Activities appear to become more ritualized over time, evidenced by the appearance of canonized royal iconography, corresponding to the formation of the Dynastic Egyptian Culture. Although other tableaus at KASS 1 may be more impressively executed or add significant advances for our understanding of cultural knowledge, Location 5, panel 7 proves to be the most informative in terms of dating. The images of the bull, elephants, and two of the human figures are completely patinated, while the dogs and third human are only moderately patinated. Both the manner of representation and the iconographic distribution of the completely patinated figures is closer to that of Predynastic rock art as opposed to the more naturalistic style of the Paleolithic and typically geometric style of the Epi-paleolithic Periods. The earlier images are superimposed by images that find parallels during the Naqada III or Early Dynastic Period. It appears that extreme differences in the patination exist for images that were created within a relatively short amount of time of each other. Patina is created through the deposition of bacteria and inorganic particulates, predominantly clay laced with manganese and iron, on the rock surface (Dorn, 1998; Liu and Broecker, 2006). Relevant to the current discussion is the warm, wet period just prior to the Mid-Holocene climatic regionalization ( BCE, c bp). During the Mid-Holocene climatic regionalization, manganese rich layers may be deposited due to optimal climate conditions, not too wet and not too dry, creating a darker patina on rock surfaces (Liu and Broecker, 2006). After 3500 BCE the climate becomes too dry to create such an effect. While relatively wet seasons may exist during the Mid- Holocene regionalization, they are not sufficiently long to create the patination that is visible at KASS 1. The complete patination visible at Location 5, Panel 7, needs approximately 1000 years to develop. Coupled with the stylistic evidence (see above), a possible date between the second half of the 5 th millennium and the very beginning of the 4 th millennium is suggested, the beginning of the Egyptian Predynastic Period or the Nubian Late Neolithic. While no patination analyses exist for Egyptian rock art sites, rock varnish analyzed in the Sahara provide a good physical and temporal parallel, likewise dating between the 5 th and 4 th millennium BCE. 5

6 Hagar el-ghorab: SM13 The rock art documentation at the site focused on a tableau representing a Heb Sed festival scene and more likely dated to the end of the Predynastic-beginning of the Early Dynastic period. The scene is unfortunately badly preserved and the work done so far consisted on photographic documentation and description of the figures. Wadi Abu Subeira: WAS6 The digital documentation of the rock art site along Wadi Abu Subeira was done in collaboration with the SCA mission working in the area. The artistic representations are located in 2 different areas: on top of the gebel there are those dated to the Paleolithic period and under investigation by Adel Kelany, field director of the SCA project (Storemyr et al. 2008); along the wadi bottom, instead, are those dated to later periods, starting from the Predynastic. The documentation consisted on reconstructing a 3D model of the landscape and created a map with the location of the Paleolithic tableaux (fig. 13). Compare to the previous year, severe damages to many of the blocks with rock drawings were noticed. Thanks to the interest of Adel Kelany and the Aswan SCA office, now the site is protected by a fence and two guardians. This is giving us some more time to deal with the study of the rock art, planned for the coming years. The epigraphic survey (M. Marée) The epigraphic work was undertaken between March 6 th to 17 th 2010 and focused in the recording of the pharaonic inscriptions at the shelter site of Hagar el-ghorab, near the Kubbaniya Bridge. A systematic documentation started in the past two seasons and it was completed during the current season. The inscriptions are now under analysis for final publication. The initial results already constitute a significant improvement to the previously existing record. To date, the only copies available in the literature have been those by de Morgan and Sayce published in 1894 (de Morgan 1894), and these are riddled with mistakes and often unintelligible. It is true that the hieroglyphs are often difficult to discern and interpret, but it is clear that the 1894 sketches were produced in haste, with no serious attempt to obtain coherent readings. For every single inscription that de Morgan and Sayce documented, better readings can now be offered, despite remaining difficulties. A dozen new inscriptions have also been identified and recorded. Also, the exact distribution of the inscriptions has only now become clear. On epigraphic, onomastic, and prosopographical evidence, the Hagar el-ghorab inscriptions can be dated to three periods of pharaonic history. The oldest are from the 6 th Dynasty, and these appear exclusively on the main rock nearest the river. Most of these texts have worn considerably, and they 6

7 are only beginning to reveal their content. Several of the Old Kingdom people have high-ranking titles; the most recurrent of these is Sps-nswt, nobleman of the king, but one of the newly found inscriptions mentions a rx-nswt, king s acquaintance, called Nfr-Htpw. Several more inscriptions name overseers of Nubian auxiliary troops, who are a frequent presence in rock inscriptions of this area and farther south. There are also intriguing remnants of what appears to be a historical inscription, left by a governor called #wj. The second represented activity peak came during the 12 th and 13 th Dynasties. The inscriptions from this period appear on the main rock above the Old Kingdom ones as well as on a rock farther south and near the top of the hill. One names an army scribe (ss n msa) called Rs-snb, but most of the remainder mention soldiers of town regiments (anx n nwt). Several of these people are possibly known from other sources, but this requires further study. The latest and most remarkable document at the Hagar el-ghorab is a pictorial scene from the New Kingdom a piece of formal art left by a well-trained draughtsman and sculptor. It represents a man in Ramesside costume who kneels in adoration before the hippopotamus goddess Taweret. This scene was recorded both by de Morgan and Sayce, but their drawings are wildly conflicting. Hitherto the dedicator s name and title have not been correctly understood. He bore the rare name NDm-gr and was jt-ntr ss Hwt-nTr n $nmw, god s father and temple scribe of Khnum, which suggests that he lived and worked in the region, most likely on Elephantine Island. His father was also a god s father, almost certainly called %A-$nmw. The choice of Taweret in this scene is of considerable interest. Few places of worship are attested for her, since her protective powers were primarily invoked in domestic privacy. Her nearest known cult place lay at Gebel el-silsila and is likewise of late New Kingdom date. The inscription accompanying the present scene identifies Taweret as a guest goddess (Hrj<t>-jb) in a different cult place. Its name is yet to be established with confidence, for the rock is much eroded; the readings offered by de Morgan and Sayce, however, are certainly incorrect. Presumably, the locality to which it refers lies at, or near, the Hagar el-ghorab itself. A pharaonic temple was situated at a spot now marked by the mud brick remains of a Coptic monastery, about 1km to the south of the Hagar el-ghorab. Might this, among others, have hosted a Taweret cult? Rescue operation at Nag el-qarmila (M.C. Gatto, M. El-Dorry, M.G. Caneschi, S. Zaia, G. Cappelletti, M. Pitre) This year excavation at Nag el-qarmila focused on the northern cemetery WK14 which is seriously threatened by construction activities. Unfortunately, unfavorable wheatear conditions and a surface 7

8 deposit of more than a meter of sand did not allow extending the investigated areas as much as planned. Two areas of 10x10 m and a smaller test trench were dug: Area B to the north of Area A, which was already investigated in 2007 (Gatto et al. 2009); Area D adjacent to Trench 3 excavated in 2009; and Trench 9 located to the west of Area A. Last year other 3 trenches were investigated as well, to the south of the cemetery and closer to the village (fig. 14). Because of the aforementioned problems only the upper deposit of Area B was investigated this year, but the plan is to continue the excavation of the area during the next season. Trench 9, being at the western edge of the graveyard did not show much in place, apart from later fireplaces, more likely connected with modern occupation of the area by camel herders. Area D is definitely the one which gave more data. It joins on its eastern side with Trench 3. The Area has evidence of grave pits, but most of it is partially covered by modern disturbances (pits). However it must be noted that the western side of the area, below the modern pits, has no remains of ancient graves, thus it might be assumed that the graves of the Predynastic cemetery were clustered in different groups. Two graves in particular gathered ample archaeological evidence. Feature 44 is a deep and small rectangular shaft with rounded edges. Several finds including Nubian and Egyptian potsherds, a shell bead, as well as a possibly worked fragment of bone were recovered and are most likely associated with the burial. Based on the pottery, the burial is dated to the Nagada IC-IIB period. The individual is in a tightly flexed position on its left side, head in the south facing west, a position typical of the A-Group. The arms are folded together resting near the right shoulder. Although disturbed, the pottery appears to have been placed near the hands of the individual. Based on the skeletal analysis, the individual is an adult female. Another grave, Feature 59 contained the remains of a year old male (fig. 15). Contents of the grave include 5 vessels (1 jar Nile C, 1 Red Polished bowl and 3 Smoothed shale tempered bowls fig. 16) and 1 amulet all of which date the burial to the Nagada IIB-C period (fig. 17). Contrary to feature 44, this individual was placed N-S, facing W. The skeleton is in a tightly flexed position. The right hand rested on the right shoulder whereas the left hand was placed on the right hip. Another grave pit was found, but did not contain any material in situ: Feature 47, which is directly to the west of Feature 44. This shaft is only a meter at its largest width, and 89 cm in depth. It is rectangular with rounded edges. No grave goods or bones were found in situ, but the fill contained bone fragments which belong to four different juveniles. Perhaps the juveniles were buried together, although this is hard to ascertain with nothing in situ. See the below discussion on the bones from this context. 8

9 This year we were able to better understand the burial structures at Naq el-qarmila. We are now able to discern clear differences between real graves, and disturbances/quarrying pits. Graves also have a frame of Nile silt around its edge (about 30 cm in height in some places), which is markedly different from the more modern pits. We also understand the different layers found as a fill for the graves, and are able to spot real graves, both intact and disturbed much better, which enables us to proceed with our rescue work much quicker and with much more efficiency. Analysis of the archaeological material (M.C. Gatto, M. Pitre, E.McArthur, A. Curci) Human bone from Nag el-qarmila Cemetery WK14 and Settlement WK15 (MP) Skeletal material removed from the areas excavated in 2010 was subsequently analysed and the preliminary results of this work are presented here. Although skeletal material from WK14-Area B (100m 2 ) was on the most part severely weathered, several clusters of human as well as faunal bone were recovered. Over 13,000 fragments (some which were less than 4cm 2 ) and skeletal elements were examined and counted. 85% of this material was unidentifiable. The remains of males and females, as well as younger and older individuals have been recovered. At least 5 individuals are represented at this time. These results will be combined with those of 2007 since the material originates from the same area. Few pathological conditions were noted, owing to the fragmentary nature of the material. Worth mentioning is a cranial vault exhibiting two small benign bone tumours. This individual also suffered from a more serious tumorous lesion also located on the cranium. Although one area of the lesion was healed, it was active at the time of death and may have contributed. 426 skeletal fragments/elements were analyzed from Trench 9. Of this material, 62% was identifiable. In comparison to Area B, overall preservation in this area is better. A minimum number of two adult individuals are represented; one is definitely a female over the age of 30. One isolated thoracic exhibits a compression fracture. Area D/Trench 3 presented a total of 22 visible pits in the alluvium, some of which contained skeltal material. Two of the pits (Features 44 and 59) were clearly used for burial. Another pit, Feature 47 also contained a large amount of skeletal material and was likely a burial but is now disturbed. The skeletal material from all of Area D was analyzed. Features 44 and 59 were examined separately since they were discrete burials fragments/skeletal elements were examined from Feature 47 as well as the entire area, 54% of which were unidentifiable. Including Features 44 and 59 a minimum number of seven individuals (four juveniles, three adults) were buried within the 9

10 area. Unfortunately, it was only possible to determine the sex of those recovered from Features 44 and 59. Feature 47 includes the remains of at least four juvenile individuals (one fetal, three infants from 1-5 years, and one juvenile from 6-11 years). These are represented by 476 fragments of bone, 52% of which were unidentifiable. Whether this is a primary burial is unclear. The material was scattered throughout the fill of the pit and no skeletal elements were found in situ. However, that the remains of only younger individuals were found within this pit is convincing evidence that perhaps this pit was used specifically for this purpose. The grave of an infant was found last year in the village WK15 and studied this season. WK15-A Layer 5 Burial 1 is a primary single burial. The individual was placed on its left side in a semiflexed position. The legs are flexed and collapsed to the left. In terms of positioning, the arms are mixed. The right arm is extended and the hand was placed near the pelvis. The left arm is also extended and the hand was placed near the knees. Overall, preservation of the skeletal material was good in comparison to other areas of the site. Most of the bones were accounted for apart from a few unfused epiphyses. Sex could not be determined because of the age of the individual. Age was assessed using a combination of dental eruption and long bone measurements. Dental age was assessed at 1 year ± 4 months. From long bone measurements the infant was assessed as being 1 year old. Thus, the individual falls into the infant 1 category (1-5 years). Although no indication of cause of death was observed, some abnormally porous areas were noted on the humeri, femora, sphenoid, and zygoma. While difficult to discern between normal and abnormal porosity in woven bone, the lesions extend well beyond 5-10 mm from the long bone metaphyses rendering a diagnosis of abnormal porosity possible (Ortner et al., 2001). Lesions such as these, noted on these particular skeletal elements, have been attributed in some cases to infantile vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). While rare in neonates, scurvy is particularly common in infants. The affects of infantile scurvy typically manifest between 5 to 24 months of age. Although there are no obvious signs of cause of death, a condition such as scurvy during the first years of life may have been a contributing factor to the individual s early death. Pottery (MCG, EMA) A very preliminary analysis of the pottery from this season excavation at site WK14 was performed in the Kom Ombo Storeroom. In total, from all areas of the excavation, 2768 sherds were recovered. A more detailed study mainly focused on the material from Area D. Thousands of potsherds were recovered, consisting mostly of Egyptian Naqada, Nubian A-Group, and locally-produced Shale wares. Black-Topped and Red-Polished wares with Nile A and B fabrics were recorded in a 10

11 percentage of about 20%, similar to that of the Nubian Black-Mouthed and Brown-Burnished wares. Shale Coarse, Fine, and Sandy-tempered wares were about 1/3 of the total. This evidence is unique in Predynstic Egypt, as elsewhere shale wares are only reported from settlements. In this perspective, the finding of three entire shale tempered bowls in Tomb/Feature 59 adds to the subject. Here the vessels are clearly used as substitute of typical Naqada Red Polished and/or Rough wares. As far as we know, this is a unique behavior within the Naqada funerary context. Egyptian Nile C and Marl fabrics are encountered as well, but definitely in a lower percentage. Interesting to note is the high percentage of Nubian pottery from this sector of the cemetery. Previous investigations at the northern sector of the graveyard, as well as in the village, brought to light a much lower number of Nubian pottery. More field investigation is needed in order to figure out if we are dealing with an intra-site variation and, if so, to define the nature of the aforesaid. As a final note, an almost complete C-Group cooking pot was found during a survey in the area of the rock art site KASS1. No previous C-Group evidence was reported in the area, apart from contemporary rock art along Wadi Abu Subeira; however, C-Group presence in the region of Aswan-Kubbaniya is elsewhere well attested Junker 1920). Faunal remains from WK14A A preliminary study of the faunal remains found during the excavation of the cemetery shows the presence of canidae species, including fox, caprids (sheep/goat), rare bovids (maybe camel), cats, fishes and birds. Because the samples are not coming from sealed contexts, it is more likely that they have to be mainly connected with later reuse of the cemetery area. This is corroborated also by the interpretation of the archaeological layers and the finding of modern pits at the bottom of the stratigraphy. New Haven/Bologna, 30th June 2010 Maria Carmela Gatto Antonio Curci 11

12 Bibliography de Morgan J Catalogue des monuments et inscriptions de l Égypte antique. Vienna. Dorn, R. I Rock coatings. Amsterdam: Elsevier. pp, 429 Gatto, M.C., Hendrickx S., Roma, S. and Zampetti D., Rock art from West Bank Aswan and Wadi Abu Subeira. Archeo-Nil 19: Gatto, M.C., De Dapper M., Gerisch R., Hart E., Hendrickx S., Herbich T., Joris H., Nordström H.-Å., Pitre M., Roma S., Swiech D., and Usai D., Predynastic settlement and cemeteries at Nag el-qarmila, Kubbaniya. Archéo-Nil 19 : Hendrickx, S. and Gatto, M.C, A rediscovered Late Predynastic-Early Dynastic royal scene from Gharb Aswan (Upper Egypt). Sahara 20: Junker,, H Bericht über die Grabungen von der Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien auf den Friedhöfen von el-kubanieh-nord, Winter , Wien. Liu, T., and Broecker, W., 2006, Holocene rock varnish microstratigraphy and its chronometric application in drylands of western USA, Geomorphology. Murray, G.W. Murray and O.H. Myers Some Pre-Dynastic Rock-Drawings. The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology. 19: Ortner, D.J., Butler W, Cafarella J, Milligan L Evidence of Probable Scurvy in Subadults from Archaeological Sites in North America. American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 114(4): Storemyr, P., Kelany A., Negm M.A., and Tohami A More Lascaux along the Nile? Possible Late Paleolithic rock art in Wadi Abu Subeira, Upper Egypt. Sahara 19:

13 Fig. 1 Map of the AKAP concession area 13

14 Fig. 2 Nag el-hamdulab main scene as it is now and was in the past (Habachi Archives, Chicago House) Fig. 3 Nag el-hamdulab 3D reconstruction of the landscape surrounding site NH1, the main scene 14

15 Fig. 4 Nag el-hamdulab digital work performed with Topcon Image Station Fig. 5 Nag el-hamdulab annotation from the main scene 15

16 Fig. 6 Nag el-hamdulab 3D reconstruction of the main panel (with restored insert of the king) Fig. 7 Nag el-hamdulab 3D reconstruction of the main panel 16

17 Fig. 8 Nag el-hamdulab 3D reconstruction of the valley where the main scene is located Fig. 9 Nag el-hamdulab virtual restoration process of the main scene (section with the king) 17

18 Fig. 10 KASS1 3D reconstruction of a wadi walls with the location of a rock art panel and its 3D photo Fig. 11 KASS1 different steps to obtain a 3D model of the artistic panel 18

19 Fig. 12 KASS1 boat from main scene Fig. 13 Site WAS6 landscape 3D reconstruction and location of Paleolithic rock art 19

20 Fig. 14 Map of Cemetery WK14 Fig. 15 Feature 59, intact grave 20

21 Fig. 16 Ceramic vessels from Feature 59 Fig. 17 Amulet from Feature 59 21