Dongola (Old), (2017/2018)
Dates of work: 5 November–13 December 2017; 10 January–28 February 2018
Team:
Co-Directors: Prof. Włodzimierz Godlewski, archaeologist (both seasons); Prof. Adam Łajtar, epigraphist (Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw)
NCAM representative: Hanna Mirgahani Osman (first season), Sajada Ahmed (second season)
Archaeologists: Dr. Dorota Dzierzbicka, archaeologist (Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw); Vincent Van Greven (independent)
Anthropologist: Robert Mahler (PCMA UW)
Ceramologist: Katarzyna Danys (independent; both seasons)
Basketry specialist: Dr. Anetta Łyżwa-Piber (Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences)
Textile specialist and restorer: Barbara Czaja (Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilnaów)
Epigraphist: Agata Deptuła (PhD candidate, Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw; second season)
Architects: Dr. Romuald Tarczewski, construction engineer and Monika Drab (Wrocław University of Science and Technology; second season)
Restorers (wall painting): Urszula Kusz, Ewa Parandowska, Aleksandra Stachowicz (freelance)
Archaeologist/surveyor: Szymon Lenarczyk (PhD candidate, Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw; both seasons)
Two programs supported by the Qatar–Sudan Archaeological Project (QSAP#10 and QSAP#31), implemented by the PCMA team.
Monastery on Kom H: program of excavations in the courtyard, the Central building in the northern part of the monastery, the Northeastern Building and the northern complex: NC.1 Circular building, NB.2 Church with preserved paintings and inscriptions from the early 14th century, NB.4 storied monastic building from the early 7th century. Wall painting conservation program on newly discovered representations and documentation of inscriptions from the Northwest Building and Church NB.2. Anthropological examination of four tomb in the southwester cemetery from the 14th century and infant pot burials from the monastery courtyard (and the Citadel as well). Pottery studies. Shelter roof constructed over the remains of the NB.2 church with wall paintings.
Citadel. Excavation at the SWN site covered the southwestern part of the palace (SWN.B.I) and inside the Church of the Archangel Raphael (SWN.B.V). Conservation of the late 8th century wall paintings found inside the church. Study program encompassing the Funj-period basketry and textiles uncovered in the previous season at the SWN site.
Mosque (Throne Hall). Protection of the porch area, including secure access for tourists. Mounting of the new roof structure, which will have to be continued.
Rock-cut tombs. Shelter constructed over two tombs from the 5th/6th century AD, making them accessible to tourists. The work was necessitated by the rapidly growing village of El Ghaddar, which has encroached on the cemetery from the 3rd–5th century AD.
Deserted village south of the Citadel (18th–20th century): program of drone photography to record the surviving architecture from the air.
Text: Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 27/1
Contact
W. Godlewski: w.godlewski(at)uw.edu.pl