Tomb of Qar

Location and Discovery:

• The tomb of Qar (also known as Meryrenefer) is designated as G 7101 and lies north of the edge of the Eastern Giza Cemetery, near the nearby double mastaba of Prince Kawab.
• The superstructure of the mastaba has entirely disappeared, but the rest of the complex, except for part of the stairway, was excavated from the rock.
• The tomb is situated a hundred meters from the eastern face of the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) in the vast East cemetery attached to this pyramid.
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Historical Context:

• The Fourth Dynasty, known for building the pyramids at Giza, eventually gave way to the Fifth Dynasty, which shifted its focus to Abusir and South Saqqara for pyramid construction.
• During the Sixth Dynasty (approximately 2345-2180 BC), the economic system supporting society began to decline, and hereditary appointments replaced royal control.
• Qar lived during this period, serving between the reigns of Merenre I and Pepy II.
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Tomb Structure and Family Depictions:

• Qar’s tomb consists of a stair leading to a small entrance corridor, followed by the main chamber.
• The main room is divided into two courts (labeled C and D), separated by freestanding and engaged pillars.
• The limestone blocks used for decoration were placed over the natural rock, but many scenes remain incomplete due to displacement or damage.
• The tomb depicts several members of Qar’s family, including his wife Gefi, son Idu, and other relatives.
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Titles and Roles:

• Qar held various titles, including:
  • Overseer of All Works
  • True Support of Knmwt
  • Overseer of the Pyramid Town of Khufu
  • Overseer of the Residence
  • Overseer of the Scribes of the Crews in the Two Houses