A Funerary Cone of Ray on the Upper Terrace of TT 209

Abstract

During the excavations on the upper terrace of the superstructure of TT 209, located on the northern slope of Wadi Hatasun, a stamped funerary cone appeared among other objects from different chronological contexts. Based on its inscription, the cone appears to have been part of the tomb of a high-ranking official identified as Ray, a scribe, overseer of the treasury, and overseer of the double granary of Montu in Iwny (Armant). This study aims to publish the object and present the results of the research conducted on its materiality, its inscription, and the owner of the tomb where it was used. Evidence has been analyzed, including the uncommon shape of the imprint and the locations where other examples mentioning the same individual have been found. The study also examines statues from a similar chronological period depicting individuals with the same name, in case they refer to the same person. It also addresses the presence of officials in the necropolis who held titles corresponding to those belonging to Ray. Using this information, efforts have been made to clarify the chronology of the cone, determine the original location of the tomb, and reconstruct the administrative career of its owner.