QV 54
Unfinished
Entryway A
See entire tombA slightly descending Ramp provides access to this unfinished tomb. Roughly a quarter of the ramp is covered by a rock-cut Overhang. Remains of dry laid rubble masonry exist on both sides of the ramp. At some point, areas of stone loss along the ramp walls were repaired with mortar and stone chips. On the north wall of the ramp, several test patches of modern plaster have been applied.
Gate B
See entire tombThis gate provides access to the unfinished tomb and is undecorated. The entrance does not have a metal door to prevent access.
Corridor B
See entire tombThis corridor lies on axis with the tomb's entrance and is unfinished.
About
About
QV 54 is located behind the visitor shelter adiacent to QV 55 in the north branch of the main Wadi. A Ramp (A) descends slightly, leading into an unfinished corridor (B) that is cut into a spur projecting from the base of the cliff. Roughly a quarter of the ramp is covered by a rock-cut Overhang. Remains of dry laid rubble masonry exist on both sides of the ramp.
This unfinished tomb has been known since the time of Robert Hay of Linplum (1826). Elizabeth Thomas (1959-60) suggests cracks in the entrance and unfinished corridor were partly plastered when the tomb was being excavated. Based on the architectural plan, this tomb was likely excavated during the 20th Dynasty, though there have not been any recorded discoveries of archaeological material. The tomb has no door and is used by site personnel to rest and store items. Bats occasionally roost on the ceiling and there is modern graffiti on the walls.
Noteworthy features:
Construction on the tomb began in the 20th Dynasty and was abandoned shortly thereafter.
Site History
Construction on the tomb began in the 20th Dynasty and was abandoned shortly thereafter.
Dating
This site was used during the following period(s):
Exploration
Conservation
Conservation History
Site Condition
According to the GCI-SCA, the unfinished tomb presents no significant structural concerns. Human and animal activity are the main sources of deterioration of the tomb.
Articles
Tomb Numbering Systems in the Valley of the Queens and the Western Wadis
Geography and Geology of the Valley of the Queens and Western Wadis
Bibliography
Demas, Martha and Neville Agnew (eds). Valley of the Queens. Assessment Report. Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, 2012, 2016. Two vols.
Hay of Linplum, Robert. Hay MSS [Robert Hay of Linplum and his artists made the drawings etc. in Egypt and Nubia between 1824-1838]. British Library Add. MSS 29812-60, 31054.
Schiaparelli, Ernesto. Realazione sui lavon della Missione archeologica italiana in Egitto, anni 1903-1020: la tomba intatta dell’architetto Cha: nella necropoli di Tebe. Vol. 2. Turin: Casa editrice Giovanni Chiantore, 1927.
Wilkinson, J. Gardner. Wilkinson MSS: [Egypt and Nubia between 1821-1831 and 1841- 42, 1848-9 and 1855]. Private Collection of Mrs. Godfrey Mosley, on loan to The Griffth Institute, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1821-1855.
