Hieratic at the turn of the 20th and 21st dynasties : the case of the 21st dynasty graffiti from the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari

Abstract

Since the great discoveries at the end of the 19th century it has been known that the area of the Deir el-Bahari temples played a prominent role as a burial ground for the Theban priesthood, including high priests of Amun. A number of hitherto unpublished ostraca dating to the 21st dynasty, found in the area, provides a testimony of institutional activity in that place. The abundant material still awaits publication, so its chronological framework cannot be effectively correlated with the available archaeological evidence. Strangely enough, such intense activity of the necropolis crew in the area is hardly reflected by the graffiti, quite common in other areas of the necropolis. New hieratic graffiti found recently in the temple of Hatshepsut significantly fill this gap.