The family as represented in the Middle Kingdom tombs of Beni Hassan

The aim of this study is to identify and investigate scenes and inscriptions relating to the family members of the high officials at the site of Beni Hassan in Middle Egypt with the purpose of revealing how the ancient Egyptians viewed the concept of family, and the position and roles of the individual family members of the tomb owners. The method of investigation is an analysis of the scenes and inscriptions which relate to family members in order to determine the structure of a Middle Kingdom elite family; to study the tradition of marriage, inheritance, and investigate possible cases of polygamy as depicted by inscriptions and iconography; and to determine the role and significance of wives, children, mothers, and fathers in relation to the tomb owner, and the reasons for their inclusion in tomb wall scenes. As a result of this study, it has been possible to determine the structure of a provincial elite class family in the Middle Kingdom. This study reveals that the basic family unit of husband, wife and children prevailed, however, possible evidence for divorce and multiple wives exists.