English
The Tomb of the Two Brothers, also known as the Bird Tomb, is one of the most magnificently decorated tombs in Saqqara. It belongs to Niankh-Khnum and Khnumhotep, both of whom held titles such as “overseer of the manicurists of the Great House” and “prophet of Re at the Sun-temple of Niuserre,” a Fifth-Dynasty king (c. 2445–2421 BCE). Here are the details:
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Tomb Structure:
- The tomb is a mastaba, which means “bench” in Arabic. It is generally rectangular and built over the underground burial chamber.
- The chapel, where tomb owners’ cult practices occurred, was within the mastaba itself.
- The walls are adorned with lively scenes, including fishing, agriculture, butchery, gardening, carpentry, and jewelry-making.
- A unique scene shows barbers, manicurists, and pedicurists at work.
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Intimate Scene:
- A remarkable scene depicts Niankh-Khnum and Khnumhotep standing close to each other, which is typically reserved for a man and his wife.
- Their shared tomb and representation with their wives have led to speculation that they were identical twins.
