The mudbrick walls that were uncovered in Elaine’s trench yesterday are nicely visible in the morning light. Although Elaine expected to hit the walls soon, it is always a relief to find them where expected.

Immediately after arriving, Elaine begins sketching the brick patterns in her notebook. Once the sun has dried them, they will no longer be easy to see, so it is critical that the number and pattern of the bricks be recorded right away. These quick sketches will aid Elaine when she makes a scale drawing of the wall, sometimes weeks after actually excavating it.

Elaine climbs the ladder and shoots a few quick shots of the wall as well. Morning photos are best for this type of situation, as the morning light illuminates the differences in soil color that are washed out by the bright afternoon sun.

There’s a new face at the temple! Will Raynolds, a Dartmouth University alum, joins Elaine’s project. Will has excavation experience in the Middle East, as well as a special interest in faunal materials (animal bone). Will plans on excavating with Elaine during the mornings, and working with the bones in the afternoons. Soon we will be able to tell what types of animals were kept (and cooked!) by the inhabitants of Thebes.

Will is at work already. Here he sets up the level and helps Elaine take points.

Ahmed, who has been the Hopkins Mut Temple Project inspector for numerous years, still helps Elaine despite working for the Brooklyn team this year. Here he shows Elaine where Will’s work team can put their excavated dirt.

The opening of new excavation squares means more grass clearing, something that seems to be a daily task here at the temple.