Funerary models vs. wall scenes: a study of agricultural pursuits and food production to the end of the Middle Kingdom

Funerary models and wall scenes served as important means of providing for the deceased in the afterlife and were accordingly included in ancient Egyptian tombs. It was the aim of this project to further understand the relationship between the two artistic media and their purpose in the tomb. This was achieved through a detailed study of both models and wall scenes from the sites of Meir, El-Bersha and Beni Hassan during the late Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom. Examples were collected that represent the themes of agricultural pursuits and food production as these were commonly included in the artistic repertoire, serving as a source of eternal nourishment for the deceased. Careful analysis has revealed that each medium was bound by specific technical limitations that impacted the themes represented. Overall, the models give greater emphasis to food production, whereas the wall scenes depict many of the stages involved in both the agricultural cycle and food manufacture. Both media were able to serve the deceased in the afterlife and each tomb owner was able to choose one or both types of design according to his purposes and means.