Theban Tombs 159 and 286

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Clarence Fisher, a renowned archaeologist from the University of Pennsylvania, excavated TT 159 and TT 286 between 1921-1923 at Dra Abu El Naga, a site on the West Bank of Luxor boasting numerous noblemen's tombs spanning the Middle Kingdom, scattered periods in the 18th-26th Dynasties, and the Ptolemaic era. In response to the Ministry of Antiquities' (MoA) vision for developing the site, ARCE took charge with USAID funding, focusing on TT 159, a 19th Dynasty tomb belonging to Raya, the 'Fourth Prophet of Amun', and his wife Mutemwia, as well as TT 286, a 20th Dynasty tomb dedicated to Niay, the 'Scribe of the Table'. By training 13 conservators from MoA in 2019, ARCE not only conserved and opened both tombs but also generated over 537 jobs for local workers who participated in clearing the site and constructing visitor infrastructure.