Models of Ancient Egyptian Life

People around the world have hit on the idea of placing models of daily life in tombs. The most common type is models of houses; of which this is the most common Egyptian version. This is called a "Soul House" and it is interptreted as a porch and garden.

In Egypt the making of wooden funerary models goes back into prehistory and lasted into Roman times, but it was at its height between about 2200 and 1200 BC. This is a procession of people bearing offerings.

This famous example, now in the Met, shows a high official named Meketre presiding over a census of his cattle.

Boats are a common topic, including both fishing boats and funerary barges.

Carpentry workshop.

And of course there is much agriculture and food preparation.

I love these little windows into life thouands of years ago.