Tomb KV51 is located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. It was discovered in 1906 by Edward R. Ayrton, excavating on behalf of Theodore M. Davis. It contained the burials of three monkeys, one baboon, one ibis and three ducks, and is probably associated with the nearby tomb of Amenhotep II (KV35). Together with KV50 and KV52, the tomb forms a group of three known as the Animal Tombs.
Location, discovery, and contents
The tomb is located on the same rocky promontory as KV49, in the side valley that leads towards KV35; it is cut at a slightly higher level than KV49 and is located somewhat north of KV50. KV51 is the second of a cluster of three tombs discovered by Edward R. Ayrton in his methodical clearance of this part of the valley on behalf of Theodore Davis. He found the entrance buried under 6 feet (1.8 m) of debris.
Tomb KV51 consists of a short shaft that opens to the south onto a small chamber. This entrance was closed with stacked stones and the lid of a coffin, though some fill from the shaft had entered the tomb. The room was “filled with animals, all of which had originally been mummified and done up in cloth wrappings.” Immediately to the right were two wrapped monkeys, one partially unwrapped, sitting upright against the wall. Along the south wall was another monkey whose head had been unwrapped, an unwrapped ibis mummy sitting in a pile of bandages, and a black-coloured box coffin. In the corner of the east wall was a “perfect specimen” of a baboon, unwrapped and wearing a necklace of blue beads. Lastly were the bodies of three mummified ducks.
Ayrton noted that the mummies were likely fully or partially unwrapped by robbers searching for precious jewellery worn by the animals. Some wrapped organ packages made into the shape of mummies were also found; a small human-headed mask, made of plaster and brightly painted, found nearby likely fitted one of the bundles. This treatment allowed Ayrton to date it indeed to the Eighteenth Dynasty. Indeed, the wrapped organs of Thuya, mother of Queen Tiye, were similarly dressed in her KV46 tomb a year prior.
Recent excavations of Tomb KV51
In the winter of 2009–2010, a Supreme Council of Antiquities team attempted to relocate KV50, KV51, KV52 and KV53 tombs. The excavation revealed Eighteenth Dynasty blue painted pottery, tools, and ostraca bearing hieratic writing and images, including a sketch of a seated queen presenting an offering and depictions of sex scenes with women and animals. Ostraca with the cartouches of Ramesses II were also found.
