Again, from EEF. These two are from archaeologists on the ground (well, the ARCE guy is the director there). Looks like Betsy Bryan is closing up shop at Luxor. OMG I wonder if the crate full of debitage I left at the Fayum in 1994 is okay!!!!
Prof. Miroslav Bárta reports from Cairo:
“(..) A number of sites including in Giza, Abusir and Saqqara
were also targeted by gangs of thieves. According to the latest
news, almost all the archeological objects in Saqqara were
forced open, including the famous tombs of high-ranking
dignitaries situated next to the Step Pyramid of Djoser,
which dates back to 2700 BC.
Archeological objects in the pyramid field of Abusir uncovered
by Czech expeditions over the last 50 years were also targeted
by thieves. The extent of the damage caused will have to be
examined later because organized gangs are operating in the
dessert both night and day. Although these gangs’ raids are
haphazard, it’s almost certain that artifacts of immeasurable
historical value have been destroyed or damaged. The museum
and store of artifacts in Mit Rahina (or Memphis), the heart
of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt have also been damaged. (…)
The information about the state of the monuments in the pyramid
field came from Egyptian colleagues who had been shot at by
gangs of raiders. (..)”
Dr. Gerry Scott (ARCE) reports from Cairo:
“(..) A number of archaeology teams are choosing to leave,
including those at the Dakhleh Oasis and at the Temple of Mut
in Luxor. (..) There is antiquities damage at the Giza Pyramids.
Mark Lehner and his team are currently working there. “I’ve
heard that the team lost some equipment and that there was some
damage to the antiquities but I do not know the extent of that at
this point,” he said. He also does not know what exactly was
damaged. The Egyptian army is now guarding the pyramids and
access has been restricted. Lehner’s team has halted their work
for the time being. (..) He also said that ARCE’s conservation
work at Luxor continues on. (..) In addition scholars from the
University of Chicago are continuing their epigraphic work at the
site. He also said that the SCA is still operational, at least in
some areas of the country. “In Luxor I’m told the SCA is up
and functioning, also in Abydos I’m hearing, it really kinds of
depends on the site.” With the council still in operation at Abydos,
Scott said that archaeological teams have decided to continue
work there. ”
