Al Muzawaka tombs Dakhla Oasis, Egypt information, tours, booking
Al Muzawaka tombs or Muzawaka tombs located in Dakhla oasis, Egypt. In fact, the tombsare a part of the Amheida cemeteries. Moreover, the tombs consists of a series of small soft stone hills or ridges in which over 300 tombs cut. In fact, the name means “The Decorated Hill”. A few of these tombs decorated in a mixture of traditional Egyptian and classical style. In fact, it was in the Roman period in the first and second centuries after the birth. Moreover, many of the tombs still not excavated. Two of the most interesting tombs belong to Petubastis and Petosiris. In fact, the tombs are outstanding for their exquisite colorful fresco.
The tomb of Petubastis consists of a single decorated chamber. It is with recessed shelves which intended to house the mummies of the deceased. On the eastern wall is a portrait of the tomb-owner which painted onto plaster. The ceiling of the chapel painted with a zodiac in the style of the first century AC. The second tomb belongs to Petosiris. In fact, the second tomb dates back to the early part of the second century AC. Moreover, the tomb contains two chambers. The owner again portrayed on the northern wall of the outer chamber. In fact, he portrayed as a large figure who wears a long pink Roman-style toga.
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Furthermore, he surrounded by representations of traditional ancient Egyptian religious symbols. In fact, the symbols include a hieroglyphic text. The inner chamber depicts the weighing of the deceased’s heart. It is before Osiris while Isis provides a libation for the spirit of Padiosir. The tomb also features scenes which are reminiscent of the New Kingdom funerary art. Furthermore the tomb features a more complex zodiac than the one in the tomb of Petubastis. In fact, it painted with figures of birds and animals. Moreover, it also has figures of a scarab and the god Horus. Furthermore it also has the usual representations of the constellations.
In fact, there is no evidence that these two tombs contained burials. Yet, many mummified bodies found in neighboring tombs which not decorated. Simple inscriptions also found in some of the other Al Muzawaka tombs. In fact, the inscriptions provide information about the spiritual beliefs. Moreover, they also show information about the customs of the Roman inhabitants of Dakhla Oasis.
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Al Muzawaka tombs indeed well known of for many years. Moreover, they well-plundered for many artifacts of value. The two major tombs photographed by Herbert Winlock in 1908. In fact, the two tombs only rediscovered by Ahmed Fakhry. It was in 1972 after which time the damaged fresco restored. In 1998 the tombs of Petubastis and Padiosir Petosiris once again closed to the public. In fact, it was because the ceilings were in a state of collapse. Yet, the restoration now completed. A new visitor center also built at Al Muzawaka tombs site.
