The Tomb of Khety

Khety was the nomarch (governor) of the 16th Upper Egyptian nome. His tomb dates to (c.2055–1956 BC) in the Middle Kingdom. It consists of a forecourt leading to the entrance and a room which originally had two rows of three columns with lotus capitals. Only one column in each row survives intact today.

The walls of this tomb bear many interesting painted scenes. Upon entering the tomb, one is immediately struck by the wrestling scenes on the east wall: wrestlers are seen in various positions and in military training in preparation to storm castles and fortresses. Facing the entrance: 122 pairs of wrestlers in five registers (sections) are locked in combat, no two in the same position. Below them, the beleaguered defenders of a fortress are fighting off their attackers. The north wall (to the left of the entrance) depicts, as is usual for the tombs in the upper cemetery at Beni Hasan, scenes of wild animal hunting in the desert. In the registers below these, depictions of barbers, carpentry, a scene of a statue being sculpted of the deceased and his wife alongside scenes of funeral rituals, and spinning and weaving can all be seen, in addition to scenes of men playing board games, and young women juggling and performing acrobatics. All of these activities are presided over by Khety and his wife, who can be seen further down this wall. The south wall also depicts the wine making process, and scenes of listening to music and performing different sports.