The Tomb and Beyond: Burial Customs of Egyptian Officials

Though the royal burial customs and beliefs have received the lionÆs share of attention, less has been written about their officials. Professor Kanawati uses his long experience of excavating in Egypt to paint a picture of their beliefs and customs in laymanÆs terms. Their richly decorated tombs from all periods including family relationship, agriculture, industries, food etc. This book examines the Egyptian outlook on death and the development of his resting place, both from an architectural and artistic point of view. It is amply illustrated in both photographs and line drawings.

INTRODUCTION

I THE HOUSE OF DEATH IS FOR LIFE
Vulnerability and Strength
One Person, Multiple Entities
Mummification
From Life to Eternity
In the Realm of the Dead
Sustenance and Remembrance Forever
Sadness and Scepticism

II TOMB ARCHITECTURE
The Earliest Graves
The Old Kingdom Mastabas
The Old Kingdom Rock-cut Tombs
From the First to the Second Intermediate Period
Tombs of the New Kingdom and the Ramesside Period
Tombs of Deir El-Medina
New Kingdom Tombs outside Thebes
Later Dynasties

III TOMB SCENES AND INSCRIPTIONS
Artists and Craftsmen
Decoration Techniques
Themes Represented
Regular Themes
The Tomb Owner and his Family
Rural Life
Fishing, Fowling and Desert Hunting
Professions and Industries
Sport and Recreation
Funerary Rites
In the Hereafter
Incidental Themes
Significance of Tomb Decoration

Deities Mentioned and their Attributes List and Sources of Figures and Plates
Bibliography
Index