How to Avoid the Trick?

Abstract

We introduce the surveys of the walls and ceilings of Theban tomb 123 (TT123), located on the West Bank of Luxor (Egypt). On the basis of the identification of material evidence of the different episodes of occupation and transformation of this place since its initial construction, which took place between 1479 and 1425 BC as the tomb of the scribe Amenemhet, until today, we reflect on the difficulties and consequences of the traditional approaches of conservation and restoration in Egypt. We argue that such places are subject to constant changes according to the uses and the agents they summoned all throughout their complex history. TT123 is not only a pharaoh’s tomb that deteriorated as a result of the passing of time but also far more than that. This paper seeks to explore the tension between more traditional approaches to conservation and restoration in Egypt and a more inclusive approach that recognizes the tomb’s passage through time.