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Tombs are a significant part of the cultural heritage of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Currently, many of these monuments have survived, which have a different structure but were used for the same purposes. A distinctive feature of ancient Egyptian tombs is their significant ritual meaning and a clear connection to beliefs and social structure. Such structures were intended not only to preserve the mummified body but also to express the attitude of the ancient Egyptians to the afterlife. Moreover, the tombs reflected the position of its owner in society and emphasized the functions that he performed in it. It is also important that the decoration of the monuments illustrates many cultural and social aspects of ancient Egyptian society, which makes them extremely valuable for Egyptological research.
The tomb of Mereruka at Saqqara is one of the most famous monuments, which is the tomb of the non-royal person. It belongs to the vizier of King Teti, who was the pharaoh during the Old Kingdom period. First of all, tombs that were built to preserve the mummified body were intended primarily for high-ranking members of society, but there were versions for poorer members as well (Ikram 287). The monument is a mastaba, not a pyramid, which is the most common shape for non-royal tombs (Ikram 290-291). The tomb is also free-standing, which is typical of the Old Kingdom period (Ikram 290). Moreover, the structure is made of stone, which identifies that it was created after the 3rd Dynasty (Ikram 290). Additionally, one can see the stepped structure and columns, which indicates a later construction of this monument.
The superstructure of this building reflects the non-royal position of its owner. The tombs of the kings were massive pyramidal structures in a superstructure and a humble substructure (Ikram 293). The inside of the tomb is decorated with texts, which is typical for structures built after the 5th Dynasty (Ikeam 293). In particular, the walls of the monument are decorated with scenes from everyday life, as well as the appeal of the subjects to the king.
These aspects point to afterlife beliefs in ancient Egypt, when pyramid texts illustrate an ideal life after the death of the owner (Ikram 295). Pyramid texts also reflected the peculiarities of vizier’s activities, which consisted of “receiving and counting tribute and trade” (Ikram 181). It is noteworthy that one can notice scenes of agriculture and hunting, which reflect not only the direct occupations of the Ancient Egyptians but also have a metaphorical meaning. The position of the vizier is reflected in the numerous scenes of people making offerings to the great figure of the king.
Mortuary cults are rituals of offerings and prayers for the departed Egyptians of high social status. Wealthy members of society could afford a mortuary temple in which priests made prayers and read formulated offerings (Ikmram 297). Thus, the rich decoration of the walls and the furnishing of the tomb were necessary to ensure the well-being of the deceased in the afterlife. In particular, in the tomb, the titles and names of the deceased, as well as offerings, were inscribed so that priests or family members could care for the spirit of the deceased through prayers.
The tombs, as noted, were built to preserve the mummified body of the deceased. In turn, the body was perceived as a vessel for the soul, which later undergoes judgment and may end up in the afterlife (Ikram 155). The Egyptians believed in the principles of rebirth since the life force of the deceased is stored in his body as a vessel of the soul (Ikram 156). This aspect explains the presence of fake doors behind which the serdab is usually located.
Such doors are a symbolic exit from the burial chamber for the soul of the deceased. Serdab was a statue of the deceased so that his ka could circulate inside the tomb and also perceive the smells of offerings. For this, the fake doors behind which the burial chamber is located are equipped with small holes through which it is possible. Stelae were commonly used in memorial or funeral temples, which were only available to kings (Ikram 139). In the tomb of Mereruka at Saqqara, there are no fake doors, but there is a serdab where a full-length statue of the owner of the tomb is located.
Thus, the analysis of the ancient Egyptian tombs allows one to understand many aspects of the cultural and social structure of the ancient Egyptian civilization. In particular, it becomes possible to consider how the monuments reflect the position of the owner of the tomb in society and illustrate the beliefs of the Egyptians. The tomb of Mereruka at Saqqara is an example of a non-royal tomb that helps to analyze the significance of the hierarchy and its symbolism for the ancient Egyptians. A special focus can also be made on ceremonies dedicated to the preservation of the mummified body and maintaining its connection with the soul of the deceased. Additionally, this monument reflects the religious beliefs of civilization and emphasizes the special role of the afterlife in its culture.
Work Cited
Ikram, Salima. Ancient Egypt: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 2009.
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