One Pharaoh’s Usaptis was found in another Pharaoh’s tomb – The

A French archaeological mission discovered a statue of Ushabti belonging to a pharaoh in the tomb of another pharaoh at Tanis in northern Egypt. Archaeologists found 225 faience ushabtis in the tomb of Osorkon II (r. 874-850 BC), but hieroglyphics on the statues indicate that they belonged to Shoshenq III (r. 825-773 BC).

The limestone tomb was first discovered in 1939 by French Egyptologist Pierre Montet next to the Temple of Ammon. It has been looted in ancient times, but the largest of the four rooms contains the granite sarcophagus of Osorkon II, the pharaoh of the 22nd Dynasty. The sarcophagus contains his canopic jar and other statues. The sarcophagi of his son and father were also found in the tomb, as well as an empty, uninscribed granite sarcophagus.

As part of the preparation phase of the project to protect the tomb from environmental hazards, the interior and exterior were thoroughly cleaned. The research team was clearing the mud floor in the north chamber of the tomb when they discovered Ushabuti. They remain undisturbed in their original position near the unmarked sarcophagus.

This discovery is the key to solving the mystery of the sarcophagus’s identity. Since the Ushabuti’s name is Shoshank III and he is mentioned in newly discovered wall inscriptions, it is likely that the sarcophagus is also his. He could have been moved to an unmarked coffin in his predecessor’s grave to keep his body anonymous. Interestingly, the tomb believed to be that of Shawshank III contains some artifacts bearing the name of Shawshank IV. Shawshank IV may have claimed the tomb and reburied Shawshank III in Osokon II’s tomb.