Fragment of black granite statue of Amenhotep III discovered in Sohag

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announced the discovery of an artefact in a parking lot in Akhmim, Sohag governorate, during a drilling operation to develop the site.

Credit: Ministry of Antiquities

The ministry said in a statement on Monday that the archaeological committee, which was formed under the chairmanship of Gamal Abdel Nasser, confirmed that the piece found in the parking is an official historical artefact.

The discovered piece is part of a black granite statue of Amenhotep III from the Eighteenth Dynasty, said Abdel Nasser.

Preliminary examination showed that the statue depicts the with his left foot forward, a tradition commonly employed while building statues of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, said Abdel Nasser.

On his right foot, are hieroglyphic writings which represent the coronation and birth names of Amenhotep III, he added.

The artefact was transferred to Sohag Museum for restoration.

Source: Egypt Independent [January 08, 2018]