A joint Egyptian-German archaeological mission has unearthed the funerary chamber of a woman named “Idi”, the sole daughter of Djefai-Hapy, the governor of Asyut during the reign of Pharaoh Senusret I (1961-1915 BC). Its historical significance lies in the fact that the governor’s tomb is the largest non-royal tomb of the era. The 3,900-year-old burial chamber contained two coffins, one nested inside the other, both imbued with texts that depict the journey to the afterlife.
The new burial chamber was found under Djefai-Hapy’s tomb, at the Western Mount of Asyut, Egypt. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
Artistically Detailed, Immaculately Preserved
The discovery occurred during cleaning work inside Djefai-Hapy’s tomb led by the universities of Sohag and Berlin, as part of a joint Egyptian-German archaeological mission. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, further explained that Idi’s funerary chamber was discovered in the northern shaft of her father’s tomb, at a depth of roughly 15.25 meters (50 feet), according to a press statement on Facebook.
The outer coffin measured 2.62 meters (8.6 feet) in length, while the inner coffin was 2.30 meters (7.5 feet). Dr. Khaled emphasized that the coffins are among the most artistically detailed and well-preserved ever discovered in the region.
The coffin and its lid are highly decorated. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
In addition to the coffins, the mission also unearthed the…
