by Name: Model of a gran shed with scribes
What it is: A wooden model with plaster, paint and linen decorations
Where it comes from: Thebes, Egypt (Modern Luxor)
When it was made: Circa 1980 BC.
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What it tells us about the past:
This decorated wooden diorama was discovered in a secret room of one Egyptian Tombe in Thebes (now Luxor) in 1920. The huge grave was that of Meketre, the most important steward of the household of the Pharaoh, who died around 1980 BC in the 12th Dynasty of Egypt during the 12th Dynasty during the 12th dynasty during the 12th Dynasty during the 12th Dynasty during the 12th Dynasty during the 12th Dynasty during the MiddoyA period known for its distinctive art. The model represents a miniature gran shed that suggests the importance of wheat and barley in ancient Egyptian society.
The model, which can be seen on the Metropolitan Museum of Art In New York City was made of a wooden box of 29.5 by 22 by 14.4 inches (74.9 by 56 by 36.5 centimeters). The somewhat peak corners evoke an old architectural style that has helped protect against thieves and rodents, according to the with. Inside the box is divided into two sections: the place where the grain was stored and the place where measuring and accounting took place.
Models of 15 men, each about 7.9 inches (20 cm), were also included in the Diorama. Six wear bags of grain, while the other nine registration on papyrus roles and wooden tablets.
More amazing artifacts
Egypt agricultural private Came mainly from grains, including wheat and barley, and the pharaohs controlled the most important food -producing area: the Nile Valley. Maintaining grain supplies was therefore crucial for ancient Egyptian society, according to the met. In the role of Meketre as Chief Steward, he was probably in charge of all the royal estates that the Palace of Graan and other food supplied.
The Tomb of the Secret Room of Meketre revealed a total of 24 models, including one Garden of fig trees and one sports boat. Half of these models are in the collection of the Met, while the other half is in the Egyptian museum in Cairo.
It is unclear why some old Egyptians were buried with these models, but Some scholars Probably the dioramas were established to support the dead in the hereafter.
