Polish archaeologists have reconstructed over 20 statues at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Egypt, including sphinxes and Osiride figures — some of the most photographed monuments in the country.
The Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari, located on the west bank of the Nile, is considered one of the most magnificent monuments of ancient Egypt. Today, it is also the site of a remarkable restoration effort led by Polish archaeologists.
Built in the 15th century BCE against a dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs, the site lies within a major royal necropolis visited by millions of tourists each year.
The temple features three terraces connected by central ramps and is adorned with statues of Queen Hatshepsut, including sandstone sphinxes and limestone Osiride figures depicting her as the god Osiris.
Many of these sculptures were destroyed in antiquity by order of Pharaoh Thutmose III. The statues currently on display at the Temple of Hatshepsut are the result of many years of work by Polish archaeologists and conservators. During excavations, they continue to uncover new fragments, which are carefully documented and reassembled to restore the likeness of the famous female pharaoh.
Over the course of their work, Polish researchers have reconstructed more than 20 statues, including sphinxes and so-called Osiride figures. Dr. Patryk Chudzik from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw emphasizes that these sculptures are among the most photographed artifacts in Egypt.
The Osiride statues on the pillars of the third terrace and two colossal statues of Hatshepsut on the lower courtyard were reconstructed by Wojciech Myjak, a sculptor working with the Polish expedition.
Reconstruction work, which takes several months per statue, is done entirely by hand without heavy machinery.Currently, the team is working on the final Osiride statue of Hatshepsut, although future excavation seasons may uncover additional material for restoration.
The work is conducted in collaboration with the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Temple of Hatshepsut
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Centrum Archeologii Śródziemnomorskiej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
