An undated handout picture provided by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities on 07 July 2010 shows Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) preparing to enter the site of the Two rock-hewn painted tombs considered as two of the most distinguished tombs ever found from the Old Kingdom which were discovered last week at Saqqara necropolis. Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, announced 07 July that the tombs were found during a routine excavation carried out by an Egyptian mission at an area called 'Gisr El-Mudir' located to the west of the Step Pyramid of Djoser. The team has been working in the area since 1968. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), who is also the leader of the excavation mission said that the tombs belong to a father, Shendwa, and his son, Khonsu. He was the head of the royal scribes and the supervisor of the missions as well as other honorary titles.The tomb's burial shaft is located directly beneath the false door, 20 meters below the ground level. When Dr. Hawass descended into the tomb he realized that it was intact and had not previously been plundered by tomb robbers. Unfortunately Shendwas's wooden sarcophagus had disintegrated due to humidity and erosion. Beside the sarcophagus, a collection of limestone jars was found including five offering vessels carved in the shape of a duck EPA/HO EDITORIAL USE ONLY
An undated handout picture provided by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities on 07 July 2010 , shows ancient paintings as seen on one of the walls of the two rock-hewn painted tombs considered as two of the most distinguished tombs ever found from the Old Kingdom which were last week at Saqqara necropolis. Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, announced 07 July that the tombs were found during a routine excavation carried out by an Egyptian mission at an area called 'Gisr El-Mudir' located to the west of the Step Pyramid of Djoser. The team has been working in the area since 1968. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), who is also the leader of the excavation mission said that the tombs belong to a father, Shendwa, and his son, Khonsu. He was the head of the royal scribes and the supervisor of the missions as well as other honorary titles.The tomb's burial shaft is located directly beneath the false door, 20 meters below the ground level. When Dr. Hawass descended into the tomb he realized that it was intact and had not previously been plundered by tomb robbers. Unfortunately Shendwas's wooden sarcophagus had disintegrated due to humidity and erosion. Beside the sarcophagus, a collection of limestone jars was found including five offering vessels carved in the shape of a duck. EPA/HO EDITORIAL USE ONLY
An undated handout picture provided by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities on 07 July 2010 shows a view of two rock-hewn painted tombs considered as two of the most distinguished tombs ever found from the Old Kingdom which were discovered last week at Saqqara necropolis. Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, announced 07 July that the tombs were found during a routine excavation carried out by an Egyptian mission at an area called 'Gisr El-Mudir' located to the west of the Step Pyramid of Djoser. The team has been working in the area since 1968. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), who is also the leader of the excavation mission said that the tombs belong to a father, Shendwa, and his son, Khonsu. He was the head of the royal scribes and the supervisor of the missions as well as other honorary titles.The tomb's burial shaft is located directly beneath the false door, 20 meters below the ground level. When Dr. Hawass descended into the tomb he realized that it was intact and had not previously been plundered by tomb robbers. Unfortunately Shendwas's wooden sarcophagus had disintegrated due to humidity and erosion. Beside the sarcophagus, a collection of limestone jars was found including five offering vessels carved in the shape of a duck. EPA/HO EDITORIAL USE ONLY
