Tomb KV50 is located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. It contained the burial of a dog mummy and a mummified monkey and is probably associated with the nearby tomb of Amenhotep II (KV35). It was discovered in 1906 by Edward R. Ayrton, excavating on behalf of Theodore M. Davis. Together with KV51 and KV52, it forms a group known as the “Animal Tombs”.
Location, discovery, and contents
KV50 was the first of a cluster of three tombs discovered by Edward R. Ayrton in his clearance of this part of the valley on behalf of Theodore Davis. The tomb is on the same rocky promontory as KV49, in the side valley leading towards KV35. It is slightly higher than KV49 and is situated west of that tomb. The entrance was buried under 6 feet (1.8 m) of debris.
The tomb consists of a shaft, 12 feet (3.7 m) deep and 4 feet (1.2 m) square, which opens to the south onto a chamber 19 feet (5.8 m) long and 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) wide. This was found partly filled with debris from the shaft. Ayrton noted that the tomb had been thoroughly robbed in antiquity, though from the presence of wooden fragments, it likely once held a coffin of some kind. No trace of the tomb owner’s name was found. The only occupants of the chamber were two animal mummies posed against one wall.
A large dog was propped up against the eastern wall, entirely perfect, although stripped of its wrappings, and a monkey was still partially wrapped.
The tomb and KV51 and KV52 seem to have formed a burial ground for royal pets.
Recent excavations of Tomb KV50
This area was excavated in the winter of 2009–2010 by a team led by Zahi Hawass and Ahmed el-Leithy to relocate KV50, KV51, KV52 and KV53. This excavation revealed Eighteenth Dynasty pottery, tools, and ostraca, including figured examples, a sketch of a seated queen presenting an offering, depictions of sex scenes with women and animals, and cartouches of Ramesses II.
