H. Junker Diary, Vol.1, p.21

Diary Transcription:

Diary Translation: begin page 21
Sunday, March 10, 1912

Sunday. The Coptos people took apart the damaged tracks of the train, mended the rails, and brought things into order for tomorrow’s work.

Monday, March 11, 1912

The last correspondence from the Academy of Sciences included 3000 Kr. In the morning, I went to Cairo to pick up the money and deposit it at the bank. I also brought Mr. General Director Maspero the list of the finds from the Nubian expedition for the Cairo Museum. Perhaps we will be permitted to rearrange the excavation territories, as it is likely that our southern neighbors will stop work on their excavations. I would be in favor of splitting the concession with Reisner.

On returning to the work site, I heard that shortly before there was the usual Monday drama. But this time, it was somewhat more problematic. One of the workers from Abusir had told the people from his village that he had influence in the hiring process. My reis attempted to persuade to them at to wait until I returned, but his attempts failed due to the obstinacy of the people; they all left. The ringleader still owes me some money, so I went directly to the police to force this person to return to work and resolve his debts to me. The Molahis (?) promised me that the issue would be quickly resolved. Two men from a neighboring village were employed to resolve the shortage.

Tuesday, March 12, 1912

Luckily, we were able to return our team to its normal number, and many new workers came from Zawie and Kerdasse. The work on the Tomb of Nofer and Kedfj is about finished. There was a heavy storm, which disturbed the work. The workers were allowed to leave half an hour earlier.

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