New Kingdom Tomb of Egyptian Official Paser Discovered at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna
Archaeologists have uncovered a previously unknown New Kingdom tomb in the famous Sheikh Abd el-Qurna necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, revealing beautifully preserved inscriptions and colorful wall paintings that identify its owner as an Egyptian official named Paser.
The discovery was made by a Dutch archaeological mission from Leiden University, led by Dr. Karina van den Hoeven, during the latest excavation season at Jabanat el-Qurna. The project forms part of an ongoing archaeological investigation of the Lower Sheikh Abd el-Qurna cemetery, one of the most important burial landscapes in ancient Thebes.
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| Image Credit : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities |
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the newly discovered tomb lies just east of Tomb No. 45, where excavations have been underway since 2018 in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The long-term project combines archaeological excavation with conservation, documentation, and risk management to better understand the development of this important section of the Theban Necropolis.
Inscriptions Reveal the Tomb Owner
Ancient inscriptions preserved inside the chapel identify the tomb owner as Paser, while the artistic style of the inscriptions and paintings indicates that the monument dates to the New Kingdom, one of ancient Egypt’s most prosperous periods.
Researchers plan to continue documenting every inscription and decorative element to determine exactly who Paser was and to identify the individuals buried within the underground chambers.
Classic Elite Tomb Architecture
The tomb follows the characteristic design of elite private tombs constructed in ancient Thebes during the New Kingdom.
An open courtyard leads visitors to a rock-cut chapel with the familiar T-shaped floor plan, while burial chambers lie beneath the chapel.
Excavations within the courtyard uncovered several well-preserved architectural features, including mudbrick walls containing a niche that once held a funerary stela. Archaeologists also identified a staircase with ramps leading toward the entrance, offering valuable insight into the original layout of the monument.
Colorful Wall Paintings Still Survive
Although parts of the painted decoration remain hidden beneath thin layers of sediment, several scenes are already visible.
Among the surviving artwork are depictions of Paser worshipping various Egyptian deities inside shrine settings. Other scenes show Paser seated beside his wife before an offering table, a common funerary motif symbolizing eternal nourishment in the afterlife.
The vibrant paintings provide important evidence for artistic traditions practiced in private tombs during the New Kingdom.
Further Conservation Planned
Dr. Karina van den Hoeven said future excavation seasons will focus on stabilizing the structure while conserving and restoring the painted decoration.
Researchers also hope that continued excavation around the tomb will uncover additional burials and archaeological evidence that will improve understanding of the broader cemetery and the people who lived and served in ancient Thebes.
Expanding Knowledge of Ancient Thebes
Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy praised the work of archaeological missions operating throughout the country, noting that discoveries such as the tomb of Paser continue to reveal new chapters of ancient Egyptian history while strengthening Egypt's position as one of the world's leading archaeological destinations.
As archaeological work continues at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, researchers expect further discoveries that will help reconstruct the lives, beliefs, and funerary traditions of Egypt's New Kingdom elite.