Any news from Dahshur? : Recording Ramesside secondary epigraphy in the South Temple of Senwosret III

Abstract

Following the report on graffiti in the precinct of Senwosret III at Dahshur, and an endorsement of the Memphite secondary epigraphy as a significant resource for New Kingdom hieratic studies, researches in the pyramid complex at Dahshur and its graffiti have continued. New excavations as well as a new home for previous finds literally helped to bring more graffiti and dipinti to light, and expanded particularly the Ramesside corpus of both textual and figural epigraphy. Materially, these are a rather varied group in terms of dimensions and appearance, and thus in regard to writing techniques and tools used for their production, and in terms of location and visibility. The contents of the Ramesside secondary epigraphy material are equally diverse, from devotional subject matter to delivery dockets related to demolition of the pyramid precinct, and imply therefore a variable and multidimensional status of the Middle Kingdom building in the latter part of its New Kingdom history. Given current changes in recording practices, this contribution focuses on identifying sustainable working methods for recording this type of secondary epigraphy. The task may prove to be a challenge, but the interpretive prospects opened by the Ramesside graffiti and marks in pyramid complexes may indicate it is worth the effort.