Farming in the tomb of NefertMaat & Itet

The tomb of Nefermaat and his wife Itet, located at Meidum, stands as one of the most significant examples of early Old Kingdom funerary art. Nefermaat, son of Sneferu and a powerful figure in his own right, held numerous prestigious titles, including Overseer of Works and Vizier. His tomb, known to Egyptologists as Mastaba 16, is notable for its innovative and ambitious decorative programme. Rather than the traditional carved reliefs, the artisans employed a technique known as fresco secco; coloured plaster applied onto a dry surface; a method which, though striking in its vibrancy, proved less durable over time.

Among the most celebrated scenes within the tomb is the famous depiction of the “Meidum Geese“, a beautifully detailed portrayal of geese amid marshland, showcasing a masterful observation of nature. Other scenes vividly illustrate Nefermaat and Itet presiding over agricultural and hunting activities, symbolising not only their earthly prosperity but also their hope for continued abundance in the afterlife. Though much of the decoration has deteriorated, the tomb remains a poignant testament to early 4th Dynasty artistry, innovation, and the enduring Egyptian belief in the necessity of providing for one’s eternal existence.

Farming and agriculture formed the lifeblood of Ancient Egypt, particularly during the Old Kingdom period (c. 2686–2181 B.C.), when society’s prosperity was intimately bound to the rhythms of the Nile. The annual inundation flooded the fields with nutrient-rich silt, creating fertile lands that sustained bountiful harvests of wheat, barley, flax, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Skilled farmers, often working under the supervision of noble officials, cultivated these lands with simple yet effective tools such as wooden ploughs, sickles, and hoes. Livestock including cattle, goats, and geese were also integral to agricultural life, providing meat, milk, hides, and labour. Agriculture was not merely a practical necessity; it was deeply interwoven with religious beliefs, viewed as a divine gift from the gods, particularly from Hapi, the personification of the Nile’s flood.

During the reign of Sneferu (c. 2613–2589 B.C.), agricultural abundance was a cornerstone of royal power, enabling grand building projects and a flourishing court culture. His son, Nefermaat, who served as a high-ranking official and overseer of royal works, has scenes depicted in his tomb showcasing family members engaged in scenes of hunting, fishing, and overseeing agricultural activities. These vibrant scenes offer a vivid window into the importance of agricultural wealth and the idealised life of an Egyptian elite. They capture the notion that mastery over the natural world, through bountiful fields and successful hunts, was a symbol of order, prosperity, and divine favour, ideals that lay at the heart of Old Kingdom civilisation.

Prince NeferMaat

NeferMaat was the eldest son of Sneferu, the king and founder of the Fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, and his first wife. He was a half-brother of Khufu.

NeferMaat’s wife was Itet, also spelled as Atet. Fifteen of Nefermaat’s offspring are named in his tomb, sons Hemiunu, Isu, Teta, Khentimeresh and daughters Djefatsen and Isesu are depicted as adults, while sons Itisen, Inkaef, Serfka, Wehemka, Shepseska, Kakhent, Ankhersheretef, Ankherfenedjef, Buneb, Shepsesneb and Nebkhenet and daughter Pageti are shown as children.

His son Hemiunu is probably identical with vizier Hemiunu, who was believed to have helped plan the Pyramid Complex at Giza.

Sneferu

Sneferu, who reigned during the early 4th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt around 2613–2589 B.C., is often regarded as one of the most innovative and influential kings of the Old Kingdom. Renowned for his ambitious architectural achievements, Sneferu revolutionised pyramid construction, moving beyond the traditional step designs of his predecessors. His reign saw the erection of three major pyramids: the Meidum Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid at Dashur, the latter being the first true smooth-sided pyramid in history. These monumental projects not only reflected Sneferu’s wealth and power but also set the architectural precedent for his successors, including his son, the famed Khufu. Sneferu’s reign is remembered as a period of prosperity, stability, and artistic advancement, laying much of the foundation upon which the grandeur of the 4th Dynasty would flourish.

Meidum Geese

The “Meidum Geese” once part of the tomb’s decorative scheme, has captured the admiration of scholars and art enthusiasts alike for its exquisite naturalism and delicate detail. Depicting a small flock of geese in vivid colours, the fragment is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Old Kingdom painting. However, in more recent years, a minor controversy arose when some researchers suggested that the piece might be a later forgery, created during the nineteenth or early twentieth century when the tomb was excavated. Despite this speculation, the prevailing academic consensus continues to affirm its authenticity, recognising the Meidum Geese as a genuine product of Fourth Dynasty craftsmanship, offering a rare and precious glimpse into the ancient Egyptians’ keen observation of the natural world.

Read our full article on the Medium Geese here

Summary:

Farming in the tomb of Nefertmaat & Itet

Old Kingdom, reign of Sneferu, 4th Dynasty, c. 2600 B.C.

Meidum Mastaba 16 of Nefermaat and Itet

University of Manchester Museum. 3954.