Dishasha

Dishasha, known locally as Deshasheh, is a hidden gem nestled west of the Nile in the Beni Suef region of Egypt. It’s most famed as the closest village to an intriguing collection of rock-cut tombs, carved high into a cliff above the desert expanse. These tombs, dating back to the Old Kingdom, serve as silent sentinels to the rich history of Egypt’s bygone eras.

The journey to Dishasha is an adventure in itself. Situated on the fringes of cultivated land, access to the site involves ascending a long flight of stone steps. These lead to a terrace that cradles the main tombs, beyond which the vast, open desert stretches towards the horizon, offering a breathtaking juxtaposition of life and timelessness.

First excavated in 1897 by the renowned archaeologist Flinders Petrie under the Egypt Exploration Fund, the site revealed a wealth of artifacts and tombs from Dynasty V. Among its treasures, the tomb of Inty stands out, famous for its rare relief depicting a siege of a fortified town and vivid scenes of ancient industry, including woodworking.

Remarkably well-preserved linen garments and pottery were also unearthed here, now showcased in the Petrie Museum in London. The tomb of Inty, a focal point of Dishasha, is now safeguarded by a large metal door. Its findings were meticulously documented by Petrie himself, with contributions from F. Llewellyn Griffith in 1898.

Nearby, the Serdab (a small, enclosed chamber) of Nenkheftkha’s tomb chapel houses an iconic Old Kingdom statue of the tomb’s owner. This 134cm high limestone statue, now residing in the British Museum, depicts Nenkheftkha in a classic pose: donning a short kilt, a short black wig, his left leg striding forward, and arms resting by his sides.

In the Museum of the Oriental Institute of Chicago, another limestone statue captures Nenkheftkha alongside his wife Neferseshems. This 69cm high duo portrays Nenkheftkha in a similar stance to his Serdab statue, while Neferseshems is adorned in a fitted robe, a necklace, and a long wig.

Although the entrances to other Old Kingdom tombs in Dishasha are currently veiled by sand, the entrance chapels and courtyards, some adorned with weathered reliefs, are still visible. A guardsman typically holds the key to Inty’s tomb, serving as a guardian to this historical treasure trove.

Dishasha, with its cliff-side tombs and relics of ancient life, offers a tantalizing glimpse into Egypt’s illustrious past, beckoning travelers and historians alike to discover its secrets.