New Kingdom

Inherkhau & his family

Inherkhau was the ‘Foreman of the Lord of the Two Lands in the Place of Truth’ during the reigns of Ramesses III and Ramesses IV, c. 1186–1149 B.C. In this scene, depicted upon one of the walls of his tomb (TT359), we behold Inherkhau seated alongside his wife and four children, receiving offerings in tribute....

Coffins of Butehamun

Butehamun was a distinguished scribe who was born and raised in the Deir el-Medina region, and resided in Medinet Habu, living during the reign of Ramesses XI, he died in Third Intermediate Period. Born into a lineage of scribes, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Thutmose, embracing a life devoted to the written...

Ipuy

Ipuy was a sculptor and artist who worked during the reign of Ramesses II. His tomb (TT217) is located on the upper terrace of the western cemetery at Deir el-Medina, which was the burial site for the workers, craftsmen, and officials who lived in the Worker’s Village of Deir el-Medina. The Egyptian artistic profession, particularly...

Ostracon of a young king

Ostracon of a young king wearing the blue crown

This ostracon is a remarkable piece of ancient Egyptian art, and it is often recognized for its portrayal of a young king, which provides a rare and valuable glimpse into royal iconography during the 20th Dynasty (around 1150 BC). Like many ostraca, this one is made of limestone, which was a common material used by...

Goddess Hathor offers Menat necklace to Seti I

Goddess Hathor offers Menat necklace to Seti I

Painted relief depicts goddess Hathor offers Menat necklace to Seti I, from a pillar in the Tomb of Seti I (KV17) in the Valley of the Kings, West Thebes. Seti I’s tomb is known for its rich decoration, which included elaborate depictions of gods and pharaohs in various religious contexts. It’s also famous for the...

Granite Hatshepsut

This statue, a life-sized representation, presents Hatshepsut wearing the nemes headdress—an insignia typically reserved for the reigning king. While she is draped in female attire, the inscriptions beside her legs already bear her throne name, Ma’at-Ka-Re, yet interestingly her titles remain feminine, calling her the “Lady of the Two Lands” and the “Bodily Daughter of...

Statue of Satnem

Nestled within the hallowed grounds of Deir el-Medina’s East Cemetery, Tomb 1379 stands as a silent testament to the lives and legacies of its inhabitants. This ancient necropolis, home to the artisans who toiled upon the grandeur of Pharaonic tombs, harbours the remains of Satnem and Nub, figures shrouded in the mystique of Egypt’s storied...

Statue of Nakhtmin

Nakhtmin was a prominent military commander during the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty. His distinguished titles included “Fan-bearer on the Right Side of the King,” “King’s Scribe,” “The True Servant Who Benefits His Lord,” and “The Servant Who Ensures the Name of His Lord Endures.” These honours were inscribed on five ushabtis...

Satirical papyrus: two cats serving a mouse

Satirical papyrus: two cats serving a mouse

This scene—featuring two cats and a mouse—likely portrays a lighthearted or symbolic interaction, showcasing how the Egyptians sometimes used humor or animal symbolism to comment on human life. A lady mouse is shown sitting elegantly, enjoying a cup of wine or drink, which is offered to her by one of the cats standing nearby. Another...

Granulation earrings of Tutankhamun

Granulation earrings of Tutankhamun

The granulation earrings of Tutankhamun are not just stunning examples of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship; they also provide insight into the material culture and artistic styles of the 18th Dynasty, particularly during the New Kingdom (around 1332-1323 BC). The earrings are particularly notable for their intricate granulation technique, where tiny gold beads are fused together to...