Significant discoveries in Aswan reveal new insights into Egypt’s ancient craftsmanship and material culture
An Egyptian archaeological team from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has unearthed a collection of rock-cut structures dating to the Old Kingdom during the current excavation season at Qubbet El-Hawa in Aswan. The site, located on the west bank of the Nile, is recognised as one of Upper Egypt’s most historically significant areas.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy emphasised the ministry’s ongoing support for archaeological missions, providing technical and logistical assistance to ensure a productive working environment. He noted that such discoveries enhance Egypt’s reputation on the global cultural tourism stage.
Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Ismail Khaled highlighted the importance of the finds, noting that preliminary studies show the site remained significant across multiple historical periods, including the First Intermediate Period and Middle Kingdom, reports Daily News Egypt, a partner of TV BRICS.
The mission also uncovered approximately 160 pottery vessels of various sizes and shapes from the Old Kingdom. According to Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector Mohamed Abdel-Badie, most vessels are well-preserved, feature hieratic inscriptions, and were likely used for storing liquids and grains.
In addition, the outer areas of the structures revealed artefacts from the Middle Kingdom, including bronze mirrors, alabaster containers, multicoloured bead necklaces, and decorative amulets.
Excavations continue, with the mission focused on detailed documentation and scientific recording. Qubbet El-Hawa remains a key site for understanding ancient Egyptian culture and craftsmanship, as reported by the source.
In many BRICS countries, archaeologists are conducting excavations that are resulting in new discoveries. For example, in Henan Province in central China, more than 100 tombs dating from the Warring States period (475–221 BC) and the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) were found between February and May 2025. This has given researchers an insight into ancient burial customs, according to Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
Also this year, it was announced that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had resumed excavations of the historic 13th-century Sukasari temple complex in the city of Bhubaneswar. Researchers discovered an early statue of a deity with rare artistic elements, as well as numerous fragments of temple walls. This was reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.
In Russia, scientists from the Institute of Material Culture History of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Altai State University have been studying an early mediaeval burial ground on the Chumysh River in the Altai Territory. They found a bronze plaque from the 7th-8th centuries depicting three bears. The institute’s website notes that such an accessory is a characteristic element of the hunting cults of the peoples of the forest and taiga zone of Eurasia – from the Urals to the Yenisey River – but outside this “northern zone” they were previously unknown.
African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS
