The Sacred Animal Necropolis at North Saqqara: The Mother of Apis Inscriptions: 14 (Texts from Excavations) - Tapa blanda

The Mother of Apis inscriptions (534-41 BC), found in 1966-71 in and outside the Mother of Apis Catacomb at North Saqqara by the Egypt Exploration Society, comprise the stelae and graffiti of the masons who constructed the catacomb and of the priests who oversaw the work and conducted the burial and other rituals for the cows. The texts include genealogies of the masons and some accounts of their work and rations. As well as their scientific importance for the understanding of Egyptian sacred animal cults, social life and chronology, they have a strong human interest. This study includes transliterations, translations and explanatory notes on all the texts found, together with commentaries and indexes.

Harry Smith was Professor of Egyptology at University College London from 1970 to 1993. He worked for the EES in Egypt from 1953 to 1996, directing excavations and surveys in Egyptian Nubia, North Saqqara and Memphis. Carol Andrews was Assistant Keeper in the Department of Egyptian Antiquities at the British Museum. She obtained her Egyptological qualifications at University College London, where she studied with prof Smith. Sue Davies obtained her MA in Demotic Studies from University College London. She has been an Associate of the Institute of Archaeology (UCL).