The 2002 season of NKOS ran from January 12 to 24. We completed the theodolite survey of the northernmost part of our concession, the area to the north of Ain Gib to the site of Settlement A, and started the survey of the area of Muhammed Tuleib, of which a sketch-plan was prepared for future seasons.
The area of Ayn Gib, Qasr el-Sumayra and Settlement A were surveyed by theodolite (R. Knisely-Marpole, assisted by A. Knisely-Marpole, L. Warden, K. Bandy, H. Said and H. Ishiyama). Distant features and water systems were recorded by means of a GPS (I. Schact and A. Rowe). Beside the forts, studied during the previous season, more building remains were drawn and recorded in order to find parallels (C. Rossi and N. Warner). During this season we realised that the area named Settlement A proved to be a much larger complex than was first suspected. It consists of several mudbrick structures, kilns, ovens, storage areas, possibly animal pens and a complex field and water system. Some of the plots are delineated by dry stone walls.
The walking survey successfully located more qanat lines, showing that a highly sophisticated and complex hydraulic system supported this part of the oasis (I. Schacht and A. Rowe). The major lines appear to run north-south, with smaller east-west lines leading off of these. Archaeobotanical samples were collected and studied (A. Clapham).
More tombs were located to the west and to the south of the Owl Tomb, and to the area south of it, as well as in large sandstone outcrops to the west of Maghatta (S. Ikram). These last revealed some fragments of cartonnage and wrapping, as well as several mummies. The majority of the human remains show evidence of mummification of different levels. North of Gib four cairns were located. They appear to mark a route to the north-west of the oasis. These cairns are difficult to date. They might be modern re-erections of ancient cairns. Also to the north of Gib a sandstone outcrop with some Bedouin graffiti was identified (I. Schacht and A. Rowe).
Small finds of this season included coins, metal fragments, cartonnage and linen fragments, and bits of glass. The amount of glass found at the sites suggests a wealthy population. The study of the pottery from 2001's pick-up at Umm el Dabadib was completed (A. Dunsmore).
At Muhammed Tuleib, a sketch map of the area was initiated (C. Rossi) and a theodolite survey carried out (R. Knisely-Marpole and survey team). It is difficult to do a thorough survey of the area as it is so engulfed by sand. The most prominent building is a fort-like building that appears to have been heavily damaged and repaired already in antiquity. It cannot be excluded that it was re-used in more recent periods. The fort appears to be surrounded by a lively industrial area. There are also residential areas surrounding the site (N. Warner), and a qanat system running from north to south, whose extension is difficult to establish. There are tombs to the west of the site (S. Ikram).
