Mersa/Wadi Gawasis, Mission 2007-2008 - Kathryn A. Bard and Rodolfo Fattovich et alii

Cordage - C. Zazzaro and A. J. Veldmeijer

Ropes - C. Zazzaro

Forty-five lots of rope fragments were inventoried this field season. Cordage was found in the area of the western slope, in trenches WG 33, WG 52, WG 32, WG 54, WG 55 and WG 56. Analyzed fragments were classified and described using the same system already adopted for samples found at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis (see Bard and Fattovich 2007: 192). Most of the rope fragments found during this field season have an average diameter of 3-7 mm with two strands zS plied (see Bard and Fattovich 2007: 190-194). 90.3% was found in WG 55-WG 56 and the rest comes from the other trenches.
Among these were a rope fragment knotted in a reef knot, found in WG 53; 9 simple knots and 2 reef knots found in WG 55; one ending knot found in WG 56; and 2 simple knots and one ending knot found in WG 56.
All ropes found during this field season were from WG 56. The ropes had diameters ranging from 8 mm to 30 mm, with three strands sZ plied (see Bard and Fattovich 2007: 192).
String fragments with diameters of 2-5 mm, composed of two strands sS plied, (see Bard and Fattovich 2007: 192) were also recorded, mainly in WG 55 and WG 56 (90.4%) and in WG 52 (9.5%).
Noteworthy are 2 small coils of string found on the surface at the entrance to Cave 7 and 4 more found in WG 54 and WG 55. These small coils suggest that string still in good condition was stored to be reused.

Catalog - Table 5


Ropes from Cave 5 - A. J. Veldmeijer

In 2007-08, the study of the contents of Cave 5, the so-called "Rope Cave," was completed. This work was to focus on a description of the find, acquiring additional measurements in order to estimate quantity, and investigation through excavation. The latter work, however, was abandoned after consultation with the expedition's conservator (Pasquale Musella) and discussions with other members of the team, as the cordage proved to be too fragile. Attention was also given to the condition of the cordage, viz. possible insect activity.
Conservators specializing in the conservation and preservation of organic materials from archaeological sites, as well specialists in insects, will be consulted. Installation in 2008 of devices to check the cave's environment will give insight into its condition and the conservation of its contents.
Alternatives for getting an estimation of the weight of a coil of rope, such as reproduction in the ancient technique with the same, if not comparable material, are currently being explored. The cordage has been photographed in detail by the expedition's photographer, and the final analysis is to be expected finished later this year.

Pleases find attached .pdf files with the full report and the related figures