 The etymology is challenged by Edward Lipiński, who points out that "Sikan" is a Semitic name (meaning "stele") already attested for the site circa 2000 BC.A clay tablet sent from Washukanni to Egypt was chemically analyzed and compared with samples from Sikan; the result was "no-match".The site is around 90 hectares in area, 12 of which are a high mound.