Egypt, I'm Here

In a recent trip to Egypt, Jonathan Pourzal volunteered with the South Asasif Conservation project. Take a look at a few photos of his experience and then read more about it as he excavates Egypt's black history and chases the past in the land of the Kemites.
On a Mission

The second ASA Restoration Project mission team of summer 2010.
To Restore a Tomb

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Jonathan Pourzal assists two of the conservators to restore one of the columns in the tomb of Karakhamun.
Registering Tomb Remnants

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Each recovered fragment of the tomb must be "registered," which consists of taking detailed notes that include a fragment's pigmentation, condition, type of damage and much more.
Putting the Pieces Together

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Reconstructing the beautifully carved and painted walls and ceilings of the tomb is no easy task. It takes extensive detective work and craftsmanship.
Mastering Masonry

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Pourzal assists a master stonemason in manually cutting a limestone block to be inserted into a restored tomb column.
Finding Hidden Treasures

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Egyptian workers must sift through endless fragment piles of the tomb's limestone walls and ceilings.
Leading the Mission

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Pourzal with Anthony Browder, who led groups on both a study tour and an excavation this summer.
Facing Egypt

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Relief of Karakhamun on the wall of his tomb.
The Valley of the Nobles

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Intricate relief carvings in a tomb at the Valley of the Nobles in Luxor.
Limestone Heave

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Egyptian workers carry limestone blocks down a long ramp into the tomb.
Deep in the Tomb

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An overhead view of the tomb and the excavation process.
Hot Sun, Hard Work

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The master stonemason of the South Asasif Project manually chisels limestone blocks under the hot Egyptian sun.
Exploring the South Asasif Valley

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Anthony Browder leads a tour of the tombs of the South Asasif Valley.
