Ni Ankh Khnum and Khnum Hotep in Sakkara

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.