After an interlude of overcast sky, with a
very high wind, almost a gale, making the river like a choppy sea, greatly
disturbing the sand, and veiling the landscape, we have once more most glorious
sunshine and a perfect blue sky.
Yesterday there was little activity of real interest at the tomb. Lord Carnarvon,
accompanied by Lady Evelyn Herbert, arrived this morning by train from
A
TRIUMPHAL CHARIOT
To-day the work of removal has been resumed
at the tomb in the presence of a remarkably small number of spectators. The
removals included a magnificent chariot, quite the best of those which have been
discovered. It is decorated with sheet gold, and inlaid in much detail with
various stones and coloured glass. On the front part of the body are cartouches
of the King, while on the inside, with other ornamental devices, are portraits
of vassals, with the names of their conquered countries. The chariot, which was
evidently the King’s triumphal chariot, is in excellent condition, the
workmanship is of the finest, and the gold and stones glistened in the sunshine
as it emerged from the tomb and was carried up the hill. With the chariot was a
pole on which remained hanging a leopard’s skin which once covered the floor
of the body of the chariot.
Finally came a tray covered with a sheet, bearing two wheels. Owing to the
delicate nature of the beautiful ornamentation of these wheels, it was
considered advisable to cover them completely. The wheels belong to the fourth
chariot, the body of which is completely broken. It will have to be removed in
parts, and will require the most delicate handling owing to its fragile
condition. This broken chariot, part of the harness of the Lion ceremonial
couch, and two statues of the King are all that now remain out of the 167
principal objects found in the ante-chamber.
While the work of clearing the various chests and boxes found in the
ante-chamber of the tomb is undoubtedly exacting, at the same time it has
consoling features. One of these assuredly resides in the uncertainty as top
what each box contains, and the possibility that its clearance may disclose new
treasures.
As has already been explained, most of the boxes found in the ante-chamber were
not opened before their removal from the tomb. Even when they were opened, only
the articles which lay on the top were recorded, as their fragility prevented
any attempt to see what was underneath until the covering article had received
in the laboratory, proper preservative treatment, and its design and all details
recorded. This is what has occurred in the case of the red box, the commencement
of the clearance of which was reported a few days ago.
When it was opened, all that could be seen was a large robe of woven tapestry
fabric, on which was sewn a magnificent gold scarab buckle, the details of which
were given in the dispatch of February 8. This robe has now been removed, and
has already disclosed several things of the greatest interest. Among the items
taken out are a number of beautiful faience libation vases in imitation lapis
lazuli and bearing the King’s cartouche in yellow. A unique article of
alabaster has also been found. It is Greek in form and is nothing less than a
wine-strainer, the first of its kind ever found in relation to the Dynastic
period.
A
SUPERB SPECIMEN
But the gem of the articles so far disclosed is a large corselet in elaborate
mesh of faience pennants, with gold clasps, ties, and ornamentation inlaid in
glass in imitation of semi-precious stones. That corselets of this description
existed was well known, as they figure among the mural decorations in the tombs
of the kings and the chapels of nobles. But never before has the actual article
itself been found, nor was its intricate detail or superb workmanship ever
realized until the present specimen came to light.
The advent of generally warmer weather has necessitated a slight modification of
the working arrangements at the tomb. As previously mentioned, the carpenters’
shop has been set up at the cache, where also, is the staff dining—-room, just
within the natural gateway to the sanctuary forming the Royal necropolis. The
joinery work, however, has become so heavy that it has been found necessary to
remove it to a place where there is more shade and where the operations will not
disturb the staff when taking their very brief rest afforded by the midday meal.
The carpenters’ shop has been transferred to the rock platform outside the
tomb of Seti II, thus also greatly reducing the transport, since the cases can
be made on the spot where they are wanted. What this means can be appreciated
when it is mentioned that, in addition to the ten thousand feet of wood already
obtained, a further large quantity has since had to be procured.
The public should be warned not to believe some extraordinary stories which get
into print purporting to emanate from