Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled Al-Anani (C) visits the tomb of an Old Kingdom priestess on the Giza plateau on the southern outskirts of Cairo, that was unveiled on February 3, 2018, after being discovered during excavation work in Giza's western cemetery by a team of Egyptian archaeologists. (AFP Photo)
CAIRO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered an Old Kingdom tomb of a lady called "Hetpet" who was a top official in the royal palace during the end of the Fifth Dynasty, according to Egyptian authorities Saturday.
The tomb was found during excavation work carried out in Giza western cemetery, which houses tombs of the Old Kingdom's top officials discovered by previous archaeologists since 1842, Mostafa Wazir, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities said during the inauguration ceremony.
The Old Kingdom is the period in the third millennium (c. 2686-2181 BC), which is also known as the "Age of the Pyramids."
The newly discovered tomb of "Hetpet" has the architectural style and the decorative elements of the Fifth Dynasty with an entrance leading to an L-shaped shrine with a purification basin, he said.
On its western end, Waziri said, there is a rectangular arcade lined with incense and offering holders.
"There is also a naos with a yet missing statue of the tomb's owner," he added.
The tomb has distinguished and well-preserved wall paintings depicting "Hetpet" standing in different hunting and fishing scenes or sitting before a large table receiving offerings from her children.
Scenes of reaping fruits, melting metals and the fabrication of leather and papyri boats as well as musical and dancing performances are also shown on the wall.
Among the most distinguished paintings in the tomb are those depicting two monkeys in two different positions, the official said.
As one of the most ancient civilizations, Egypt has been working hard to preserve its archaeological heritage.
In an attempt to revive the country's ailing tourism sector, Egypt is keen to uncover the Pharaohs' archaeological secrets as well as other ancient civilizations throughout the country.
