Matmar: revisiting burial practice of the non-elite during the Third Intermediate Period

This thesis engages with two areas which have been historically overlooked in the study of Egyptian archaeology: the Third Intermediate Period (TIP) and the history of the non-elite. It is an attempt to demonstrate the benefits of a reconsideration of existing site data and dated reports, using modern theoretical and statistical techniques, in order to broaden our understanding of the non-elite classes in Ancient Egypt. The chosen trial dataset is the TIP grave corpus from Matmar in Middle Egypt, originally excavated by Guy Brunton between 1928-31. After evaluating the original excavation report and updating Brunton’s results in line with current understanding, SPSS chi-squared and cross-tabs analysis was carried out in an attempt to isolate any relationship between: sex, age, burial location, coffin style, amulet inclusions. In turn the results were interpreted to shed light on local perceptions of sex and gender, religious practice and economy. The statistical analysis demonstrated a strong link between the sex and age of the individual and the choice of grave goods. The results also disputed some of Brunton’s original conclusions and assertions regarding practice at the site. The exercise itself successfully demonstrated the benefits of revisiting older site reports, although the statistical methodology utilised for this study would require further refinement before application to other sites would be possible.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

m_ph

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

m_ph

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Birmingham

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Humphreys, Ruth

• CC Archaeology
• CB History of civilization