Ambikol island – (16-R-11)

This multi-period cemetery was located on raised banks of ancient alluvium along the sides and at the end of a small sand-filled wadi towards the west side of Ambikol Island, between the villages of Engera and Ambikol (Ambukool). When first identified in March 1964, it was thought to have been of medieval date, one grave being tested. Re-examined in January 1968 (by Bengt Schönbäck), a further 26 graves, as well as 20 other pits were excavated. It was also established that the site was more extensive than originally recognised, extending over an area of c.135m x c.80m, containing c.270 graves and about 70 pits. The investigation and mapping of the site showed that it consisted of several grave groups. The orientation of the graves, as well as the rectangular pits was generally east-west. In one group on the north bank of the wadi were graves with large rectangular pits with side niches or end chambers, some with remains of mud brick superstructures. These were suggested to be late Meroitic or X-Group, intermixed with probably medieval (Christian graves), as well as a group of pits (pot burials as well as storage pits) along the side of the wadi. In the open plain, divided by the wadi were two groups of largely medieval (Christian) graves. The group to the north was largest, numbering almost 100 burials. In the western part of the cemetery there were also six (‘X-Group’) graves which had grave shafts orientated approximately north-south. These had the remains of denuded tumulus mounds covering them, c.4m in diameter. Registered as a ‘Meroitic/X-Group/Christian’ site. There were probably no more than a dozen Meroitic graves.

Plan of large cemetery [16-R-11] with small cluster of Meroitic grave on east side.

Most of the graves were heavily disturbed but included a number of graves with axial chambers as well as examples with side-niche chambers. A small but interesting collection of Meroitic pottery was recovered, as well as beads and other small artefacts.