This site was originally registered in 1968 as one part of [16-V-23], a multi-component site including a dispersed area of settlement and at least two separate cemeteries, on the left (here north) bank of the river, just downstream of Turmukki island. Originally identified as of medieval date with perhaps some more recent occupation (“early Moslem” ?), it was subsequently recognised that there was also Meroitic material here.  Of the two cemeteries the larger central site, originally identified as ‘Christian’ , has been allocated a new site number [16-V-43*]. The site contained c.105 graves and pits of which an estimated 80 were graves. Seven graves were excavated and three pits. Amongst these at least one grave was Meroitic with some interesting ‘Early Meroitic’ pottery. Other sherd material from this area suggested the possibility of some further Early Meroitic presence in this inhospitable area, if probably small-scale. Most of the other occupation in this area (uninhabited in modern times) seems to have been of medieval or more recent date.

View upriver (here west) over excavated cemetery [16-V-43*], originally registered as part of [16-V-23]. Hills of east end of Turmukki island visible in distance and channel running along north side of island.

Early Meroitic pottery from a side-niched grave (grave 8) in multi-period cemetery. Very similar wheelmade jars (left) have been found upstream of the Batn al-Hajar at both Amir Abdallah (near Abri) and Irkisaab (Morka).