Ok, to the excitement of the day (and I'm writing this on Tuesday, although the discovery happened on Saturday - we awaited the announcement of the find by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and that occurred yesterday). The morning began with an inscription running up and down a back pillar. But what looked on Jan. 20 like a simple stela inscription cleaned up to look like the rear of a statue, so we became more aware.

Soon, the qufti, Sayeed, had cleaned enough to see that the statue was wearing a large cylindrical crown - well known to Egyptologists as a "modius" and worn by queens. In addition she was holding a "fly whisk", a symbol of female royalty. But as a final identifier, the queen's crown was inscribed over and over with the name of the contemporary king - Amenhotep III. We were highly excited about what the front of the statue would look like.

Soon a cast of thousands arrived -representing the antiquities organization.

The enthusiasm was so unbridled that without any further ado, the face-down statue was lifted up by the crowd and soon appeared to be a face in it - perhaps a different color and somewhat impassive - but part of it nonetheless.

Here she is now, allowed to lie back down and rest, as well as in a detail of her exquisite face. Truly sublime, I have to say.

A good way to end the day - just doing our regular routine at Beit Canada . Sarah helped Jay out with photography, because Lori is under the weather. I hope so.