Can you imagine being an officer in the treasury of the Southern City during the reign of Ramesses II? That was Nefersekheru. We are standing before his tomb, TT296. It offers us a glimpse into his life and beliefs.
Nefersekheru’s tomb is located in the Al-Khokha necropolis. This area is part of the Theban necropolis. Specifically, it sits on the hill separating Deir el-Bahri from Sheikh Abd el-Qurna. It is next to the tomb of Neferenpet. Both tombs share a similar layout.
Nefersekheru had several important titles. He was the ‘Scribe of the Divine Offerings of all the Gods’. He also served as ‘Officer in the Treasury of the Southern City’. His roles included deputy administrator of the treasury, royal scribe of the treasury, scribe of the divine offerings and director of enslaved people. Some believe he succeeded Neferrenpet in his position.
Intriguingly, Nefersekheru may have had three wives. His wives and daughters were all chantresses of Amun. You can see depictions of his wives in the tomb.
As you step into the courtyard of TT296, note that it once served as an entry to Neferenpet’s tomb as well. The tomb opens into a long hall. The hall features colorful, well-preserved paintings. Columns with texts adorn the entrance. Nefersekheru and one of his wives are shown walking forward on the door jambs.
Inside, you will find scenes of Nefersekheru and his family moving toward the rising sun. The first chamber displays scenes from the Book of Gates. In it, the king seeks permission from a demon to cross into another world. Illustrations from chapter 62 of the Book of The Dead are also visible in the same chamber.
Look closely to find the scene of Nefersekheru and his wife at a festival for the goddess Bastet in Bubastis. They are sitting before offerings of sycamore fruit, bread, lettuce and onions. Other scenes depict Nefersekheru and his wife adoring Osiris, Hathor, Isis and Anubis. Texts from Chapter 125 of the Book of the Dead are inscribed on the inner walls.
In the burial chamber, scenes show the deceased claiming innocence. This is the Negative Confession. You can also see Nefersekheru’s funeral procession depicted here.
The ceilings in TT296 are special. Their elaborate geometric patterns are rare. The colors have been well preserved. The wall-paintings of Nefersekheru’s tomb are behind glass panels.
On the eastern wall, scenes from the Book of Gates show Nefersekheru and his wife Nefertari before the Guardians of the Gates. There’s a judgement scene. His heart is weighed against a feather before Osiris, Isis and Nephthys. A picture shows Nefersekheru and his wife drinking from a pool in a garden. He is also shown playing Senet, a game with religious meaning.
The tomb of Nefersekheru offers a unique look into the life of an important official. His beliefs are vividly captured on these walls. Take your time to appreciate the artistry and history preserved here.