A new study of ancient Egyptian statues found at Saqqara has offered fresh clues about the possible location of Imhotep’s tomb, a burial site that has eluded archaeologists for generations. The research, published in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, examines two granite statues uncovered in a tomb in the Teti Cemetery, north of the Step Pyramid.
Although the tomb dates to Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty, archaeologist Zahi Hawass argues the figures were made during the earlier Third Dynasty, when Imhotep served King Djoser.
The sculptures were found alongside an unusual collection of red-granite statues associated with Djoser and his family. Hawass says the concentration of older objects strengthens the case for searching northern Saqqara for Imhotep’s burial.
Ancient Egyptian statues renew the search for Imhotep’s tomb
One statue, carved from black granite, names a priest called Tp-m-ankh. The other, made of gray granite, depicts an official named Aym-rn-khp, whose titles included “prince of Elkab” and “chief judge.”
Hawass dates both figures to the Third Dynasty based on their appearance, materials, and inscriptions. He also suggests that the first statue preserves some of the earliest known examples of priestly and administrative titles later used during the Fifth Dynasty.
The statues were recovered from the mastaba, or ancient Egyptian tomb, of Userefre, identified by Egyptian authorities as a son of Fifth Dynasty King Userkaf. Archaeologists announced the tomb’s discovery in April 2025. The excavation also revealed a massive pink-granite false door inscribed with Userefre’s titles.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the finds included sculptures representing Djoser, his wife and ten daughters. Preliminary research suggested the group had originally stood near Djoser’s Step Pyramid before being moved to the later tomb.
Why Imhotep’s burial remains a mystery
Imhotep was a senior official at Djoser’s court and is traditionally credited with designing the Step Pyramid, one of ancient Egypt’s most important architectural achievements. He was later revered for his wisdom and associated with medicine.
Archaeologists have searched for his burial for decades. British Egyptologist Walter Bryan Emery explored northern Saqqara in the 20th century and considered an elaborate mastaba a possible candidate, but its owner was never securely identified.
The latest research adds to that search without settling it. Other scholars have suggested the Djoser sculptures may have been moved from a nearby ceremonial site or even produced centuries after the king’s reign.
No inscription from the newly examined statues identifies Imhotep, and researchers have not linked them directly to his burial. Their significance lies in what they may reveal about the history of northern Saqqara and the monuments once located there.
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