Basketry, matting, cordage, and other organic objects from Deir el-Bahari

Abstract

Organic artifacts made of plant fibres are frequently found on Egyptian sites. Numerous baskets, mats, cordage, brushes and small items of daily use were collected, classified and documented during the Polish excavations in the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari, Upper Egypt). These artifacts reflect the long history of the temple site in Deir el-Bahari, from the Pharaonic period through the times of the Christian monastery of St Phoibammon established in the ruins. Pending detailed archaebotanical analyses in the future, the raw material has been recognized as locally sourced.