This volume, which is the fourth part of Topographical Bibliography
VIII, Objects of Provenance Not Known, presents accessible references
for unprovenanced stelae dating from Dynasty XVIII to the end of the
Roman Period. The coverage includes monuments in museums and private
collections, as well as those which have surfaced in sales and auctions
only to disappear from sight once again. Volume VIII, Parts 3 and 4,
provide the first comprehensive survey of unprovenanced stelae ever
undertaken. The classification and dating is the product of original
research by Jaromir Malek, with assistance from Elisabeth Fleming,
Alison Hobby, and Diana Magee, as well as input from specialists in many
institutions. The number and range of the stelae open up many new areas
for further research, making possible an altogether fuller coverage of
the material than has been possible hitherto. This volume contains
extensive indices. The first seven volumes of the Topographical
Bibliography list ancient Egyptian monuments still in situ, those found
in controlled excavations, ot those for which the original location can
be established with certainty. There are, however, enormous numbers of
objects of unknown provenance, including some of the greatest
importance. Systematic records of excavations in Egypt began in the
1860s, but digging for monuments had been going on for at least half a
century before that. Volume VIII complements Volumes I-VII by providing
access to this unprovenanced material. Parts 1-2 cover statues of all
periods. Part 3 covers stelae of the Early Dynastic Period to the end of
Dynasty XVII.