HOW TO AVOID THE TRICK? HERITAGE DISCUSSIONS FROM THEBAN TOMB TT123, LUXOR (EGYPT)

J. R. PELLINI; M. B. MARCONETTO; L. GHECO

CURRENT ANTHROPOLOGY

University of Chicago Press

Lugar: Chicago ; Año: 2023 vol. 64 p. 410 - 431

0011-3204

We introduce the first surveys carried out of the walls and ceilings of Theban Tomb 123 (TT123), located on the West Bank of Luxor (Egypt). On the basis of the identification of material evidence of the different episodes of occupation and transformation of this place, since its initial construction, which took place between 1479 and 1425 BC as the Tomb of the scribe Amenemhet, until today, we reflect on the difficulties and consequences of the traditional approaches of conservation/restoration in Egypt. We argue that such places are subject to constant changes according to the uses and the agents they summoned all throughout their complex history. TT123 is not only a pharaoh?s tomb which deteriorated due to the passing of time, it is far more than that. This paper seeks to explore the tension between traditional approaches to conservation and restoration in Egypt, and a more inclusive approach that recognizes the tomb?s passage through time.