preliminary report on the first two seasons at hierakonpolis: part iii: occupational features at the...

Preliminary Report on the First Two Seasons at Hierakonpolis: Part III: Occupational featuresat the Kom El AḤMARAuthor(s): Michael HoffmanSource: Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, Vol. 9 (1971-1972), pp. 35-47Published by: American Research Center in EgyptStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/40001049 .

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Preliminary Report on the First Two Seasons at Hierakonpolis

PART III

OCCUPATIONAL FEATURES AT THE KOM EL AHMAR*

Michael Hoffman

Due to the necessarily restricted nature of the 1969 excavations at the Kom el Ahmar, it was not possible to uncover completely any single building. It is hoped and anticipated that this problem will be rectified as larger areas of the settlement are cleared in future seasons. In the meantime this statement is meant to serve as a summary of the information learned to date about the occupational features. Attention has been paid to describing the prosaic details of domestic remains so often overlooked or ne- glected in archaeological reports with the hope of broadening our picture of the details of ancient Egyptian life - details which are often difficult if not impossible to reconstruct from the hieroglyphic texts.

Since only a small portion of the total surface area of the Kom el Ahmar was sampled in order to work with greater care and stratigraphic pre- cision, the presence, absence and distribution of certain features cannot yet be taken as repre- sentative of the site as a whole. Rather the features described have been culled from various levels of various squares.

In the course of describing the occupational features attempts will be made, where possible, to reveal their uses by reference to historic and ethnographic parallels. Such comparison, al-

though not foolproof, is facilitated by the wealth of information provided in ancient wall paint- ings and reliefs and by the stability of certain aspects of rural Egyptian material culture over the last five to six millennia.

For ease of description the occupational features have been divided into four categories: culinary features, industrial features, architectural features and miscellaneous features.

CULINARY FEATURES

This category includes features associated with either the preparation, storage or distribution of food and drink.

Fired Areas : This class of occupational features is easily

distinguished by the bright red-orange coloring which firing imparts to the surrounding soil. In most cases there is evidence of intentional con- tainment of the fires in some type of hearth- like structure. In no case was there any evidence of uncontrolled fire associated with the destruction of architectural units.

Ovens : The features designated as ovens can be divided into two sub-varieties based on size and shape : large, ovoid or subrectangular ovens

* [Part III of this report is a revised version of Appendix 3 of Dr. Hoffman's Ph.D. thesis, Culture History and Cultural Ecology at Hierakonpolis from

Paleolithic Times to the Old Kingdom (University of Wisconsin, Madison). Ed.]

35



36 jarce 9 (1971-1972)

and small, circular ovens. In the case of the subrectangular variety, the sides, in most instances, appear to be bounded by a single course of mud brick. The interpretation of these structures as ovens has been suggested by their positioning within rooms of houses and by comparison with similar (although not identical) features within modern peasant dwellings. Representa- tive metrical data are presented in the following table (Table 1). In some instances these ovens

TABLE 1

Dimensions of Sub-Rectangular ovens in Square 14N5W (Figure i)

Oven Maximum Length Maximum Width

A 123 cm. 98 cm. B *U3 cm. *55 cm. C *I38 cm. 75 cm. D 120 cm. 58 cm. E *i5o cm. 88 cm. F - - G 78 cm. 58 cm.

* dimensions reconstructed

occur in clusters, one superimposed on the other (e.g., figure 1). An idea of the number and distribution of ovens found during the 1969 season at the Kom el Ahmar can be had by referring to Tables 2 and 3.

Pot-hearth: One example of a conical jar, im- bedded in earth, and surrounded by a small, irregular fired patch was found. Two other pots were found in direct association with the feature, although neither was adjacent to the fired area itself (figure 2). The jar was partially covered by a broken lid of crude ceramic composition which resembled a "bread pot." The feature was located in square 9N5W on the floor of room 1. The exact function of the "pot- hearth" remains a mystery, although, based on the juxtaposition of the jar and the fired area, an admitedly tenuous comparison can be made with the grain kilns noted by Peet (1914: 7-10) at Abydos. Perhaps a somewhat more realistic comparison would be with the small jars or pots

TABLE 2

Distribution of Sub-rectangular Ovens at the Kom el Ahmar

Number - Square r ~ Room Remarks

01 r Ovens

19N7W 2 1 & 2 18N7W 1* -

16N7W 3 5, 10 & 11 17N6W 2 L-shaped antecedent to

room thick ash stratum

17N5W 5 - large wall-thick paving stratum

15N6W 1 5 1 1 just overlies

sand stratum 14N7W 2* -

14N5W 6 or 7 - in cluster (see figure 1)

13N5W 1 overlies sand stratum

10N5W 1 - yellow clay stratum, associated with slit trench structure

1 - overlies brick paving

* a minimum estimate of the number of feature in a given square

of tea or coffee one sees today in the countryside of Egypt, where the coals of the day's fire are banked around the container every night to in- sure a warm drink in the morning. If such were the function of this feature, then the contents of the jar may have been some type of food rather than drink.

Storage Pots :

Storage pots are generally large vessels of either conical or globular shape, set into the ground so that their mouths are roughly flush with the living floor (see Figure 3). The conical variety may exceed a meter in length, with a



PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE FIRST TWO SEASONS AT HIERAKONPOLIS PART III 37

TABLE 3

Distribution of Circular Ovens at the Kom el Ahmar

c Number Square c , „ Room Remarks

of , Ovens „

11N5W 2 - yellow clay stratum

10N5W 1 - yellow clay stratum, associated with slit trench structure

15N6W 1 5 under several floors of room 5, just overlying sand stratum

maximun diameter of about 40 cm. and a mouth diameter of about 25 cm. The globular storage pots, far more common than the conical type, might have a maximum length of 70-80 cm., a maximum diameter of roughly the same dimensions and a mouth diameter of 50-70 cm. They are all apparently located within rooms. Al- though the exact function of the globular variety remains unknown at this time, the conical pots are similar in appearence as well as loca- tion to modern water jars still used in rural Egypt.

Pot Basins : Pot basins appear in the soil as shallow, clay-

lined holes of roughly conical cross-section. From comparison with various in situ pots found during excavations, with ancient Egyptian house models and with modern receptacles for storage pots (see preceding section) the function of these clay-lined basins became apparent. Pot basins may occur either singly or in clusters (Figure 4), and the variation in their cross-sections (Fig- ure 4) often suggests the particular type of vessel that each hole formerly accommodated. They were found distributed all over the site, in domestic contexts, throughout all levels. A sug- gestion of the multitude of kitchen functions re-

presented by clusters of pots set into the ground or the floor is provided by the nth Dynasty household models from the tomb of Meket-Re at Thebes (Winlock 1955).

Pottery Groups : This feature is closely related to the preceding

two classes. While, in a couple of instances, groups of pottery which were set into the ground were found, it was much more common to discover groupings lying helter-skelter upon the floor of an old house. These were found in domestic contexts in all levels of the site (as they can in almost every peasant home today). It is hoped in the future to correlate some of our soil samples with specific types of jars in at- tempting to learn the particular use of certain containers. It is also hoped that it will be possible to correlate positions of certain types of pots with certain types of architectural units and so get a more precise idea of the function of specific rooms in a structure, as well as the overall relationships of space and function within buildings. In at least one instance (square 18N7W, main occupation level) a rather large pot was inverted and used as a receptacle for the remains of an infant. Although only one instance has been found to date, this might hint at the practice (common in many societies around the world) of burying all children under a certain age or of a certain social classification within the settlement rather than in the designated cemetery. If sufficient numbers of such pot burials are found in context in future seasons, it might be possible to go beyond mere guesswork in analysing the reason behind such practices.

Water Stands : Two features found during the 1969 season

have been classified as water stands. One of these consists of a clay-built pothole and adjoining clay basin (figure 5) and the other, of a series of large, flat stones set upright in the ground upon a mudbrick base to form a roughly square receptacle (figure 6). The clay feature was located in square 16N7W in a level prob-



38 jarce 9 (1971-1972)

ably datable to Old Kingdom times, although possibly later. The stone counterpart was found in square 15N6W in the topmost level. The dating is unsure but probably is later than Old Kingdom. The interpretation of the function of the stone water stand is more tenuous, since no direct evidence of a clay-lined pot basin was found in association with it. Nevertheless, the portion of it which survives is reminiscent of the modern public water jars often found at crossroads underneath a cluster of palm trees. In Islamic times public water supplies often consisted "of a shelter for a series of jars, cared for by an attendant and financed by an endow- ment" (Badawy 1966: 11), and an nth Dynasty inscription of one Samentuser "intendant and chief of the kitchens in the domain of Montu," states that, among his good works, was the organization of a city water supply (ibid.). The clay pot and basin are more obviously connected with the storage and allotment of a liquid (probably water), although the particular function it served may have been washing rather than con- sumption.

Cisterns: Three circular cisterns of fired brick were

found in square 8N5W. The use of fired brick as well as stratigraphic and ceramic evidence point to a Greco-Roman date for these features. The interior diameter of the structures is approximately one meter, and they were excavated to a depth somewhat in excess of one meter. In each case, a length of drain pipe made of nested, open-ended pottery cylinders led into the cis- tern - indicating that the water was intended to flow into rather than away from the structures. Thus, the purposes of the cisterns was possibly to store water.

Manos and Metates :

Although more properly described under the heading "artifacts/1 the large size and weight of these implements (and hence their comparative immobility) as well as their culinary function has prompted their inclusion in this discussion. Metates and manos were both relatively com-

mon in all levels in all domestic areas of the site. Metates were oval to sub-rectangular in shape, manufactured from igneous rock (some speci- mens from so-called "Aswan granite") and bore a shallow, concave depression over the entire length of the working surface. Occasionally, both sides showed signs of use. Often metates mea- sured about 35 cm. long, 20 cm. wide and 10 to 15 cm. in thickness. Weight often ran to about 3 to 5 lbs. The manos, or grinding stones, were made from the same type rock as were the metates and were round in shape. They aver- aged about 5-8 cm. in diameter, seemingly the proper dimensions to be conveniently held in the hand. From a brief inspection of the wear patterns evident on many such rounded stones, it is evident that they served different functions. The ones interpreted as manos were characterized by the presence of one worn and slightly convex surface. Others, possibly mortars and/or use-hammers, bore signs of battering along the used portions of the instrument. A very rough idea of the comparative frequency of these artifacts can be had by looking at the following figures from square 16N7W: In the first level, a total of 23 metates and 16 round stones (not all manos) was noted. In the second and lower level, a partial count revealed 7 metates and 8 round stones.

INDUSTRIAL FEATURES

Those features described in this category are concerned with either the processing of raw materials or the fashioning of those materials into useful implements.

Large, Slag-filled Hearths : Three circular hearths, about 1 meter in diam-

eter, were found in the topmost level of square 18N6W. The hearths were surrounded by a slightly raised border of mud and mudbrick approximately 10 cm. thick. The whole area, including the border, was fired to a bright red- orange color. Within the hearths and in the immediate vicinity were found bits of slag. Al- though this material has not yet been analyzed,




it probably was either copper or iron ore. In this regard it is significant to note that the oldest example of large-scale Old Kingdom copper statuary comes from this very site (the Pepi statue group of 6th Dynasty date). If, on the other hand, the slag proves to be ferrous, then a post 7th century B.C. date would be almost certain.

Large, Slab-lined Hearth : One feature of this type was found in square

18N6W in the main building level. The hearth lay on the floor of a room and was covered by a thick but localized deposit of dark gray ash. The hearth was roughly circular and bordered by large, flat rocks set on end and at an angle, so that their tops slanted away from the center of the fired area. The maximum diameter of the structure was approximately one meter. Al- though only about 2.5 meters seperate it from the large, slag-filled hearths, the stratigraphic positioning of the slab-lined hearth would seem to place it earlier in time. Nevertheless, the unusual construction and size of this feature, as well as the great amounts of ash that surrounded and covered it, suggest an industrial rather than culinary function.

Whetstones : This feature is similar to the manos and me-

tates in that it is usually classified and described as a type of artifact. Essentially its large size and relative immobility has led to its inclusion here. Two whetstones were found in place: one in the topmost level of square 15N6W and the other in the main building level of square 16N7W (see Figure 13). Whetstones are characterized by multiple parallel grooves on one face of a large, flat rock. The presumed function of the whetstone was to sharpen tools.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

This class of features includes technical and/or functional elements of building construction. Only these elements which are not treated ex- tensively elsewhere (e.g., niching) are described here.

Floors : For the purposes of this paper the term

"floor" refers to the living surface of the rooms of domestic dwellings. As such, they are limited in extent to a single house, and often to a single room. Therefore, their building history must be considered relative to the house and can seldom, if ever, be correlated directly with other floors in other houses. This situation occurs because in one house (or indeed in one room) there might be a long succession of many floors, one on top of the other, while in another room or house the same floor might be used throughout the occupation of the structure. Two types of flooring were noted: mud and mudbrick and sand.

Mud and Mudbrick Floors : Perhaps the most common type of house floor was made from a combination of mud and mudbrick and aver- aged 5 to 12 cm. in thickness (i.e., approximately the thickness of a single course of mudbrick). Where mud (clay) was used it was tightly compacted. When excavation revealed a succession of floors within one room, the space in between was occupied by charcoal-stained midden. Taking room e, Building VI in square 15N6W as an example, the depth of this midden varied from about 8 cm. to 33 cm. through four successive floors. These, in turn, overlaid an earlier floor of sand. In several instances the floor of a room was thus raised over a meter above its original level.

Sand Floors : In some instances, where living debris lay directly upon a clean sand flooring, it was impossible to tell whether or not the flooring was actually part of a large early paving level (as in square 15N6W). In one case, in Building 6d, it was possible to isolate an example of sand flooring. The floor consisted of clean sand from 3 to 5 cm. in thickness. It was unique in being colored bright blue and red-orange in irregular patches. Another unusual feature of this floor was the presence of a large number of tiny flint retouch flakes in a storage pot sunk into the floor. Indeed the variously-colored sand itself leads one to speculate that this floor did not belong to an ordinary house. Further



40 JARCE g (1971-I972)

interpretation will have to wait until larger areas of the site are cleared in succeeding seasons, however.

Pavements:

Pavings are distinguished from floors by their extent and thickness. By their very nature, they were meant to cover relatively large areas and therefore would seem to have been the product of central planning. Whereas a house floor seldom exceeds 12 cm. in thickness, pavings are frequently in excess of 50 cm. thick. Moreover, because of their widespread nature and essential homogeneity, pavings often provide us with convenient stratigraphic horizons across the entire site. Three types of paving are known: mudbrick, sand and stone.

Mudbrick Pavements : Extensive areas of mudbrick paving were located in the northern and central portion of the excavations. As previously mentioned, the paving was quite thick, aver- aging around 50 cm. in depth. Occasionally an underlying portion of the paving would consist of compacted clay. In almost every case, the mudbrick pavements were directly associated with large, relatively well-squared walls - the whole complex giving the impression of terrac- ing. The arrangement of bricks on the pavement surface tended to be quite variable, although an end-to-end placement was common.

Sand Pavements : The most extensive area of sand paving was found in square 14N6W, although deep soundings in adjoining square 15N6W revealed continuation of the stratum. The observed relationship of the sand paving, which reached a depth of about one meter, to various walls and rooms in 14N6W suggests that the sand might have lain in an open court- yard. Material found on the surface of the paving as well as its stratigraphic position argue for an early date. In 15N6W, where superimpo- sition of mudbrick and sand pavings occurs, the lower position of the sand shows it to be clearly the earlier of the two.

Stone Pavements : The only example of a stone pavement was found in direct association with the niched structure and is discussed in Part II.

Doorways : Since no complete building was revealed, the

exact context and positioning of doorways, both internal and external, will have to be solved in future seasons* work as larger areas of the site are uncovered. For now, a brief catalogue of doorway features will have to suffice. A diagram of one external doorway is displayed in figure 7. It will be noted that the wall on one side is underlain by a large, flat rock, presumably to provide a base for a door post to rotate upon. On the other side of the opening, on the exterior of the wall resting on the ground surface, is a cobble whose function remains unclear. It may have served as a movable doorstop. The previously mentioned flat stone lacks the small, circular depression characteristic of other door sockets found at the site. This might be because it was used for only a short time, insufficient to wear such a depression in it. It is also possible that the stone might only have served as a door sill and that the room possessed no hinged door. Stones used as door sockets were relatively common throughout the site. One in situ example was found in association with an early brick paving.

Wall Storage Niches : Two examples of small recesses in mudbrick

walls, presumably for the purpose of storage, were found this season. Both were in the main building levels, one in square 22N8W and the other in 15N6W. The method of their construction was simple, involving the omission of one or two bricks from the wall. The storage niche in square 15N6W contained a small, conical pot. Lane (1908: 12-13) mentions similar "shallow cupboards'' existing in Egyptian houses in Cairo in the early 19th century and virtually identical features can be seen today in the houses of Muisat.

Wall Ledges and Benches : The presence of small internal "ledges'- one

brick in thickness at the base of mudbrick walls was noted on several occasions (e.g., Building ij, square 19N7W). The purpose of these, whether




practical or decorative, is unknown at present. The British excavations at Kom el Ahmar revealed the presence of internal benches along the walls of (Old Kingdom?) houses. These were

compared with modern Arab "mast abas/' mudbrick benches found both within and outside of modern rural houses against the wall. The exis- tence of this feature in the archaeological remains at the Kom el Ahmar was difficult to demonstrate or isolate due to the limited size of our exposures and the constant destruction and

rebuilding of ancient domestic buildings. One

apparent example was noted in room 9 (Wall T) of square 22N7W. Several pots were lying on

top of this "bench" in a manner reminiscent of the British findings.

Slit Trenches :

Perhaps one of the most unique architectural features revealed by the 1969 excavations, aside from the niched structure, was the slit trench. Two of these were found, running parallel to each other, in a Protodynastic yellow clay stratum of square 10N5W (see Figure 9) .The metric characteristics of each trench are presented in Table 4. It will be noted that trench # 1 has

TABLE 4

Dimensions of Slit Trenches

Trench Length Width Depth

1 142 cm.* 19 cm. 11.5 cm. ia 153 cm.* 10 cm. 20.5 cm.** 2 132 cm.* 13 cm. 12.5 cm.**

* end of trench obscured by west wall of square ** correct depth was impossible to determine due

to underlying darker-colored stratum

two components due to the fact that it is stepped in cross-section (see figure 8) . The two trenches are seperated by a distance of only 2 meters. When their parallel alignment and close proximity are considered in relation to the arrangement of post molds about them (see discussion of

post molds in following section and figure 9), the whole seems to form part of a post and

wall-trench structure. Possible literary analogies to such a structure as well as its meaning will be treated at greater length in the Discussion section of this paper.

Post Molds: Table 5. A total of seven post molds are described in

this section, all from the yellow clay stratum

TABLE 5

Dimensions of Post Molds in Square I0N5W

Diameter Internal n ^ Air xt c t\ 4.x. Comments n E-W ^ Air xt N-S c t\

Depth 4.x.

1 40 cm. 40 cm. 5 cm. post hole (ia) in

shallow, circular hole (1)

ia 17 cm. 17 cm. 15 cm. also, see comment under 3

2 24 cm. 26 cm. 24 cm. none

3 14 cm. 15 cm. 8.5 cm. correct depth im-

possible to determine due to un-

derlying, darker- colored stratum

4 33 cm. 32 cm. 24.5 cm. see comment under 3

5 28.5 cm. 36 cm. 19 cm. see comment under 3

6 34 cm. 55 cm. 12 cm. post hole (6a) in shallow, circular hole (6)

6a 16.5 cm. 14 cm. 18 cm. also, see comment under 3

7 SW-NE: 58 cm. 11 cm. see comment under 3

NW-SE:4icm.

of square 10N5W. Only single, scattered post- molds were found (and then rarely) in other

squares. The metrical data on the post molds is

presented in the following table. A graphic idea of their distribution can be had by referring to

figure 9. Readers will find a discussion of the

significance of the post molds and their distribution in the Discussion section of this paper.



42 JARCE 9 (197I-I972)

MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES

These features of unknown function found during the 1969 season at the Kom el Ahmar are described in this section.

Circles : The features lumped under this category in-

clude a wide variety of sizes and, in all likelihood, of functions. They have been described together because they share two traits : they are all con- structed from mudbrick and, most importantly, they are all circular.

Small Circles : A total of 9 small circular structures were recorded from the 1969 excavations. They average about one meter in diameter and are described in three sub-categories: normal, bell-shaped and oval. (1). Small, Normal Circles: Those small circles described as "normal" closely approach a per- fect circular plan and cylindrical cross-section (see Figure 10). Their distribution is shown in Table 6. Judging by their stratigraphic positions,

TABLE 6

Distribution of Small, Normal Circles

Square Quantity Comments

18N7W 1 16N7W 3 16N6W 1 flat rock in center 15N6W 1

they seem to date to the main building levels, although some, of as yet undetermined context, probably postdate this period. They were noted by Quibell and Green during their excavations and called "shunehs," the Arab name for small grain storage bins. Actually, their exact function or functions remain obscure, although they do appear much too small and awkwardly posi- tioned for dwellings. It is hoped that analysis of soil samples will eventually reveal their use. There is no evidence of fire in association with any of these structures. Similar circles can be

noted today throughout rural Egyptian villages and serve a multiplicity of functions, the most common of which is storage. In some instances at least, they appear to have extended down in- to the ground about 50-75 cm. (2). Small, Bell-shaped Circles: Two of these features were found during the 1969 season, one in square 16N7W (Bldg. VI-2) and one in square 17N5W. Their mouths were circular in plan, although in cross-section they exhibited a marked belling or expansion toward their bases. The structure found in 16N7W had the following diameters: mouth 130 cm. (N-S) X 140 cm. (E-W) ; base 175 cm. (NE-SW) X 165 cm. (NW- SE). This particular structure (room 2) was dug into a large wall (part of the niched building) and appeared to have two floors. The lowest floor was part of the large wall and was about 116 cm. from the rim of the mouth. The second floor was about 83 cm. from the rim. On top of each floor was a thick deposit of light grey ash and light midden. A soil sample was taken from the base of the lowest floor and remains to be analyzed. (3). Small, Oval Circles: One such feature was found during the 1969 excavations in the main building phases of square 21N7W (Room R). Its interior was approximately 150 cm. long and 120 cm. wide. A so-called bread pot was found in the center. From the relation of the oval feature to surrounding walls it seems to have been a subsidiary storage area of one of the rabbit warren of rooms located in 22N7W. Un- like all the other circular features, its walls were breached at one point.

Large Circles : A total of four features of vary- ing size and function are described in this category. The main factor separating them from the previously described circles is size. (1). Large Circular Structures: Three of these were excavated this season. Two, located in squares 16N7W and 15N7W, are similar, being about two meters in diameter and datable to main occupation contexts. The third (figure 11) in 17N6W-5W, is very large, approximately 4.5 meters in diameter. It is discussed in greater detail in connection with the niched structure




(Part II), but suffice it to say here that it was located directly inside a curved retaining (?) wall just across from the niched facade. A fairly large number of whole pots of various types were found in association with the fill of this structure. An apparent opening was located on its SW perimeter. The circular structure in 16N7W contained a spouted pot of burnished red ware on its floor. The interpretation of all these structures as habitations is essentially based upon their size. In the case of the feature in 17N6W this interpretation seems supported by associated features and the large number of pots. However, its apparently formal planning (especially vis-d-vis the niched facade) as well as the enigmatic nature of the rock concentrations and the lack of characteristic dark living midden, might argue for a more formal (and perhaps industrial) function. The other two circular features remain open to question as well, and could have been simply larger counterparts of the small ' 'normal" circles. (2). Clay-floored Circles: Only one feature of this description was discovered at the Kom el Ahmar. It was located in the main building phase of square 18N7W (Bldg. IV 3-4) and its northern extreme was intersected by a small normal circular structure of apparently later date. The clay-floored feature was about 2.25 meters in diameter and consisted of a rim of mudbricks set length to length upon their edges. The floor, only part of which survived, consisted of pud- dled clay about 3 cm. thick (figure 10). Both the clay floor and the mudbrick were of an unusual light yellow hue. The function of the feature remains unknown, although it appears to have marked a formal work area - perhaps a threshing floor. It is hoped that further ethnographic research will turn up a reasonable parallel. It is also possible that a complete floor would have provided a post pattern and thus have given us another clue to function. Al- though the normal circle which intersects the floor is here interpreted as not being related to it, if similar relationships occur in future excavations, then we will have to consider the whole as one functional complex.

Rock Concentrations : Two such features, cited above, were located

in square 17N6W-5W and appear to have been part of the large circular structure in that square (figures 11 and 12). Both clusters rested upon clay platforms which were extensions of the wall of the circular building. The smaller concentration was made up of seven rocks and the larger, of ten. All of the rocks were roughly of cobble size and bore no signs of human alter- ation. The surfaces of some rocks retained desert polish. Unfortunately, no function could be inferred from the composition or placement of the rocks, which all appeared to be igneous and metamorphic and indigenous to the immediate vicinity. To date the most plausable interpretation is that they were weights of some sort. Certainly their formal placement in relationship to the large circular structure hints that they had something to do with the function of the building.

Storage Pits : One feature of this type was found in the

main building phases of square 22N7W. It con-

TABLE 7 Contents of the Small Storage Pit in

Square 22N7W

1 found, blue-green faience bead 7 elongated, blue-green faience beads of vary-

ing lengths ; on the basis of their close positioning in the ground, they appear to have been from a bracelet or small necklace.

1 broken serpentine use-hammer 2 pieces of burnt mammal long bone ? several lumps of burnt clay 7 sherds of thick sandwich ware 6 sherds of orange burnished ware ? ? sherds of buff ware 1 sherd of fine grey ware 5 sherds of orange sandwich ware 3 sherds of coarse brown ware 1 sherd of coarse orange ware 1 sherd of smooth brown ware



44 JARCE 9 (1971-1972)

sisted of a small pit, 30 cm. in diameter and about 25 cm. deep with a roughly conical cross- section, which had been cut into and through a mudbrick floor paving. The function of storage is actually quite problematical and is based upon the contents of the feature (see Table 7). Although many of the potsherds and the bone found in it might be accidental fill, the faience beads, probably once part of a small bracelet, and the serpentine use-hammer suggest that certain types of artifacts might have been secreted in such a pit. Certainly there are parallels at the New Kingdom village of Deir el Medina for such hiding places for family valuables or trinkets. The presence and placement of the relatively large amounts of thick sandwich ware sherds may suggest that the pit was once lined with a crude pottery vessel.

DISCUSSION

As mentioned earlier, our goals of reconstruc- ting details of ancient Egyptian domestic life from the archaeological remains at the Kom el Ahmar will have to await more complete sam- pling of the site. There are at present two prob- lems (aside from that of the niched wall which is discussed elsewhere) for which sufficient information is available to enable some discussion of their broader cultural implications. The first of these is the early living floor and associated structures found in square 10N5W, and the second deals with the characteristics and implications of occupational debris of the main habitation.

Figure 9 displays a floor plan of the early structures in 10N5W. The stratigraphic and chronological placement of these features as well as their metric characteristics have been discussed earlier in this section. It now remains to suggest an interpretation. Since the finding of a "Protodynastic" circular stone platform (revetment) at the Kom el Ahmar by Quibell and Green, the problem of Predynastic and Protody- nastic architecture has been a dominant theme

in Egyptian archaeological researches. Aside from the Predynastic "hut circles" found by Caton-Thompson at Hemmamieh and a couple of pit dwellings of Badarian affiliation discussed by Brunton (Brunton and Caton-Thompson 1928) and the briefly-reported Merimde and Maadi material in the North, no well documented finds exist. On the Egyptological side, the literature is replete with discussions of the possibly early date of small reed or wattle and daub shrines de- picted in historical wall painting, architecture and sculpture (e.g., Hayes 1953: 52-55). The standard explanation for the failure to find rem- nants of these structures in archaeological excavations has been that, since they were made from perishable material, all evidence has long since decayed. Judging by the comparative ease with which such "perishable" structures have been found in other (and more humid) regions of the world (e.g., Europe, North America, Northern Asia, etc.) at least part of the explanation for their absence might be the relative scarcity of prehistoric research in Egypt and the nature of past excavation.

The finds by Caton-Thompson and Brunton were in dry desert where the preservation was excellent. While it is true that organic material will rot in moist soil, it is not necessarily true that no traces will be left. Careful excavation can often detect the color differences caused by the disintegration of ancient structures and, with proper mapping procedures, often complete ground plans can be reconstructed. Such is the case at the Kom el Ahmar.

A structure (Figures 8 and 9) having two small, parallel wall trenches and posts at each corner and one in the center appeared clearly in the yellow clay of the surrounding stratum. Of apparently coeval age with the slit trench and post structure is a large paved area of mudbrick (Figure 9). What appears to have been a walkway led to this paved area, and a large, socketed stone such as might have been used to accommodate a door post was found in situ at the juncture of this walkway and the paved area (Figure 9). Several other large stones were found in association with the paving. They




formed an approximate North-South line in the southeast corner of square 10N5W and the northeast corner of 9N5W. None of the stones, except for the door socket, bore any traces of working. When one considers that these early structures are no more than 100 feet from Qui- bell and Green's circular revetment and that, like the revetment, they lie in an early stratum, their association with the circular structure in one architectural phase seems quite likely. More- over, the rough line formed by the remaining stones on the paving appears headed for the area where the circular revetment had been located.

Although it is still too early to tell for sure, the special relationships of the paving, large stones and the trench and post structure suggest a deliberate and rather formal arrangement. The liklihood that the arrangement was formal is strengthened by the proximity and apparent relation of the circular revetment. Moreover, relatively little occupational debris was found in the Protodynastic stratum, indicating a non- residential area. It is possible, however, that later disturbance might have removed such debris. As stated earlier, much discussion has occurred in Egyptological circles over the pos- sibility of early temples or shrines of reed or wattle and daub. In this regard I would suggest that the size and ground plan of the trench and post structure as well as its apparently formal architectural-spacial context fits the qualifications for such a building quite well (see reconstruction in Figure 8). Of course we will not know the final answer to this problem until a larger area is cleared by excavation so that architectural and functional relationships can be studied in a broader perspective.

Unfortunately, there is little in the archaeological literature of Egypt which would serve as a basis of comparison for the early structures from the Eom el Ahmar. Hemmamieh and Brunton's Badarian houses (Brunton and Caton- Thompson 1928) are quite different as are the remains from Merimde (Junker 1929, 1930, 1932-1934). Besides, in all of these cases the dates are quite a bit earlier than at the Kom

el Ahmar. Only at Maadi in Lower Egypt have structures similar to the wall trench and post structure at Hierakonpolis been reported (Amer 1932 and 1936). The stratigraphic placement of much of the Maadi material still remains uncer- tain, however, and so extensive comparison will have to await new finds.

Moving on to our second consideration, since archaeologists, to put it indelicately, deal in human garbage and refuse, it is sometimes useful to consider just how the inhabitants of a particular site dealt with their trash. Such knowledge, far from being esoteric, is in fact quite necessary if the archaeologist is to under- stand the various factors which conditioned the deposition of the remains he digs up. For instance, it is a commonly known but seldom stated fact that the amount and nature of the debris one finds in a temple is different from that found in the hovels of the poor. This is because refuse and the way it is treated reflect different human activities, values and social categories. Whereas a temple or palace court- yard might be kept relatively clean during active occupancy, a peasant dwelling might accumulate great amounts of leavings in or around its premises. Moreover, since the broken artifacts one finds in refuse often reflect the wealth, status and occupation of its original owners, the particular contents of different trash zones may vary markedly, even at the same point in time. For this reason, when excavating in the remains of a site which was once characterized by social complexity, the various functional differences of different areas must be taken into account before one can seriate or analyze differences between artifact assemblages or reconstruct the broader social and cultural context of the ancient town.

This discussion does not pretend to be a complete catalogue but rather a guide to what has been revealed to date. I have found it most convenient to present this information in out- line form in order to more easily and directly reconstruct the types of decisions which had to be made by the ancient inhabitants of Nekhen when they disposed of their trash.



46 jarce 9 (1971-1972)

RULES GOVERNING TRASH DISPOSAL

I. In Non-elite Structures A. Given continuing occupancy

Trash is dealt with in two different ways depending on whether or not it is : a. Inorganic trash (mostly larger and heavier

potsherds, small bits of metal, broken metates and used manos, etc.) which is removed from the living quarters and dumped in nearby depressions in order to level off the ground. This means that depressions between older walls (such as Alley A in

square 19N7W) will often be filled in with inorganic trash providing that : (1) The old walls are not large enough to be

re-used by squatters for jerry-built dwellings (such as in squares 22N7W and 22N8W or 16N7W (see Figure 13)), or

(2) There is not a deliberately enforced and traditionally sanctioned attempt to pre- clude re-use of abandoned elite structures by non-elite persons (such as the apparently deliberate avoidance of the niched facade).

b. Organic trash (bone, ash and vegetal material) which now shows up as a black or dark gray midden, which was often levelled off on the house floor and capped with a new course or two of mudbrick or mud. As many as four to five floors representing nearly a meter of accumulation were noted in squares 22N7W and 15N6W. Excess organic trash was treated much like inorganic trash and used to fill in depressions (notably in areas adjacent to circular storage bins as in square 16N7W). There appears to have been no aversion to dumping large amounts of organic trash near to the house (not to mention under its floor!).

B. Given abandonment Trash of inorganic as well as organic variety will be left on the floor to show up as clusters of broken or even whole pots lying scattered over an ash-covered floor. Such a situation prevailed in the Old Kingdom level of square 19N7W where a great variety of vessel types (denoting different functions ?) of differing quality were recorded.

II. In Industrial Structures Based on the limited remains, all that can be said at this point is that industrial refuse is specialized, reflecting the main by-product of the manufacturing activity. In one case, in

square 18N6 W, this refuse is characterized by

unusually heavy amounts of ash mixed with chunks of slag. A second, though less clearly "industrial" specialized activity area is located in square 15N7W where a number of very fine retouch flakes were found inside a storage pot sunk into a well-laid floor of colored sand. These flakes are probably resharpening chips from the edge of a large butchering knife.

III. In Elite Structures A. In living and/or ceremonial areas the elite

structure (whether temple or palace) is usually quite clean, although later intrusion by non-elite squatters may alter this situation. The large, regular walls and thick sand or mud-brick floors, platforms or courtyards are characterized by the absence of both inorganic and organic trash. One does not find that inorganic trash is permitted to accumulate and then levelled-off and capped as in non-elite structures. Moreover, the small number of remains which are found are usually exotic and may be status-indicative (such as the ivory fragments found in square 14N6W).

B. Storage areas are characterized by regular, grid-like planning, small rooms and, frequently, by the presence of large storage vessels sunk into the floor. The trash is usually limited to status-indicative or ceremonial objects (such as alabaster vases). The storage rooms of temples, to judge by the British findings at Hierakonpolis, often contain art objects of rare material, votive plaques or objects of antiquarian or cultic value.

Given the evidence for the range of activities engaged in by the inhabitants of ancient Nekhen and the social and economic differences which existed in their town, it is not surprising that the archaeological remains reflect a good deal of variety. It must be kept in mind that, with the passage of time, the occupational, industrial and administrative foci of the town probably shifted around. Perhaps, as in many modern Egyptian towns, the shift was upwind (Baer, personal communication). This would be quite under- standable considering what the non-elite did with their organic trash. It seems likely that, judging from the size of the town walls, the entire area encompassed within the walls was not occupied at once. Such was the case across the river at the important New Kingdom and Late Period site of El Kab. A second type of




population shift, one of a more sudden nature, had probably been necessitated by the building of the early circuit walls. Before this time the people probably resided in and around the niched wall. But the actual demographic pattern would depend on whether or not the niched f agade was part of a town wall or simply an administrative compound (palace).

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Amer, M. 1932 The Excavations of the Egyptian University in

the Neolithic Site at Maadi, First Preliminary Report (Season 1930-31), Cairo.

1936 The Excavations of the Egyptian University in the Neolithic Site at Maadi, Second Prelimi- nary Report (Season 1932) , Cairo.

Badawy, A. 1966 A History of Egyptian Architecture, Vol. 2,

The First Intermediate Period, the Middle Kingdom and the Second Intermediate Period. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Brunton, G. and G. Caton-Thompson 1928 The Badarian Civilisation and the Prehistoric

Remains near Badari, Quaritch, London.

Hayes, W. 1953 The Sceptre of Egypt, Vol. 1, Harper, New

York. Junker, H.

1929 Vorldufiger Bericht iiber die Grabung der Aha- 1930 demie der Wissenschaften in Wien auf der 1932 Neolithischen Siedelung von Merimde-Beni- 1933 salame, Anzeiger der Akademie der Wissen- 1934 schaften in Wien, Phil. -Hist. Klasse, five pre-

liminary reports - 1929, XVI-XVIII; 156- 250; 1930, V-XIII; 21-83; 1932, 1-IV: 36- 97; I933.XVI-XXVII: 54-97; 1934, X: 118-132.

Lane, E. 1908 An Account of the Manners and Customs of

the Modern Egyptians, Everyman's Library, E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc., New York.

Peet, T. E. 19 1 4 The Cemeteries of A bydos, Part II., 1911-1912,

Egypt Exploration Fund, Mem. 34, London. Quibell, J. E.

1900 Hierakonpolis I, Egypt Research Account, Mem. 4, London.

Quibell, J. E. and F. W. Green 1902 Hierakonpolis II, Egypt Research Account,

Mem. 5, London. Winlock, H. E.

1955 Models of Daily Life in Ancient Egypt from the Tomb of Meket-Re at Thebes (Publ. MM A Eg. Exp., 18), Cambridge, Mass.



M. HOFFMAN, OCCUPATIONAL FEATURES AT THE KOM EL AHMAR

Fig. i Cluster of Sub-Rectangular Ovens in Square 14N5W

Fig. 2 "Pot Hearth" and Associated Pots in Square 9N5W



Jarce 9 (1971-1972)

Fig. 3 Reconstructed Cross-section of Water Jar and Storage Pot set into Floor

Fig. 4 Cluster of Pot Basins in Square 15N6W

Fig. 5 Clay "Water Stand" in Square 16N7W Fig. 6 Stone "Water Stand" in Square 15N6W



M. HOFFMAN, OCCUPATIONAL FEATURES AT THE KOM EL AHMAR

Fig. 7 Detail of External Doorway in Square 16N7W Fig. 8 Reconstruction of Reed Structure in Square 10N5W

showing slit trenches in cross-section

Fig. 9 Protodynastic Living Floor in Square 10N5W showing slit trench and post mold structure and mudbrick paving

Fig. 10 Clay-floored Circle intersected by a small Normal Circle in Square 18N7W



Jarce 9 (1971-1972)

Fig. 11 Large Circular Structure and Niched Gateway in Square 17N6W

Fig. 12 Rock concentration on Clay Platform in Square 17N6W Fig. 13 Stratigraphic Profile showing secondary squatters' occupation in Square 16N7W

Fig. 14 Profile in South Baulk of Square 19N7W in Street 1



preliminary report on the first two seasons at hierakonpolis: part iii: occupational features at the...

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